I do the backs, bottoms and all edges before installing.I build a 2x4 base that fits perfectly underneath the inside of the base of the cabinets because well meaning tenants tend to spill the mop buckets they use every year or so and the bottom edge of those particleboard cabinets crumbles and sinks and melts into the floor "if" it ever gets wet.I too use 1x4's to back up all towel rods and such.I use 3/4 inch galvanized pipe for all shower curtain rods installed strong enough to do pull-ups.I use contact paper for all tub and shower surrounds.

House next door demolished, some melted siding, water damage to current property, not much but enough were tenants had to move, property has been rehabbed for 2nd time.

If you live in the north, however, i think it's important to observe what happens during the snow melt.

If your heart melts every time someone tells you they lost their paycheck at the casino, you may not be cut out to be a hands-on landlord.

Sure it's unlikely to happen, but people didn't think the recent economic melt down would occur.

From what I understand........The appraisal report itself can be re-certified, (or we used to be able to re-certify reports), which would be accepted by some lenders in some cases if the report itself is less than 45 to 60 days old but .......the actual comparibles are based on properties in the same area as the subject property, similiar to the subject property that have sold in the last 6 to eight months depending on the market........with all the turmoil and melting going down has it been changed to a 90 day window?.....

Remember in the last 8 years or so in the melt down not many developers were prosecuting land divisions.. so the cities using the free time used it to go through and up date their codes and such..

Do you believe that it could be a liability if the residents neglect to shovel the snow/ put ice melt down?

ice cream melts and concrete cracks. 

If one was going to go into this I think you would want some serious capital behind you a team in place and go at it.Unfortunately I personally had to foreclose on about 200 loans I had out in 08 09 melt down...