Special assessments or HOA or city related ordinancesAlso, if you did the math, and based on my personal observation, land lording as a means to financial freedom is very long and tedious unless you have some other form of income to break the cap rate on the property, or have some really innovative way to acquire property (but this often in itself needs some level of capital).If you have very little capital, I would save the money (i am generally risk averse), and use sweat equity, like being a realtor or wholesaler to build the funds to invest, then combine your knowledge with things like options trading is where it all comes together and makes sense. 

I appraise real estate as a career and am actively trying to invest.I have also been going to tax lien sales for several years, observing.

I initially started looking around the U of Minnesota area as a starting point.As a result of this post and my family in St Paul's observations, I have asked my realtor to include listings from South Minneapolis.Where you describe as the location for your duplex is exactly what I'm looking for.

I made sure the studs were covered with 'waterproofing tape' & the joints had more than adequate silicon & the windows were vinyl clad.On the new build I just did for my son I personally observed all window installs but the Pella slider door got me.

(Remember, you can't discriminate based on familial status or kids or anything.)These are just some off-the-cuff observations.

Most observers would consider this a "healthy' real estate market.  

That's a great observation on ARV for investment properties here.

I always thought I did a good job of screening, gut checking, red flag observing – the usual seasoned Landlord stuff.

Basic observation of your neighbors homes should clue you in to if it's the norm/local ordinance, etc.

From what I've observed, turnkey investment strategies are best for long term buy and hold investments (+ 10 years).