Now we have to add an unplanned closet and chase to conceal the duct.

I take all the funds from rental income and dump them in one account, pay all the bills out of it and just keep letting it grow until it hits a number that I can safely say will take care of any unplanned expense.

Even a blind squirrel finds a nut.

So much deferred maintenance that there was actually holes in the walls and squirrels and critters were living in the home ala Grey Gardens.

It reminds me of Squirrel Hill and Shadyside in the 'Burgh.  

Not to sound disrespectful but even a blind squirrel will occasional find a nut.I ought to know because I've been both the squirrel and the nut.There is no perfect system, campaign or single message that leads to profits. 

My former primary residence prior to working overseas (unplanned rental that is underwater) and my first actual investment property purchased in December 2015.

Make sure you add enough of a cushion into the repair estimate so that you will be covered if something unplanned occurs and you can give the end buyer a financial incentive to purchase from you.

Similar to  @Vincent Aiello in that it was unplanned.  

I'm in Shadyside, and grew up in Squirrel Hill.