If the house is empty, it's probably a financial drain on the owner.

The prevalence of termites in Tampa is one of the reasons block construction is so much preferred here (along with storm resistance and reduced utility costs).  

And with a good drain pan, when they eventually leak, you won't get a bunch of damage to the home.

I am there to calculate my repair costs, see where I can make more money and to assess the block as a whole.

Once we saw that it expired, we tracked down the owner and were able to strike a deal that benefited both sides.Rundown of the Deal: The property is currently a 3 bd/1 bth, 962 sq ft house a few blocks away from the University of Arizona.

I'm offering this furnished, for two reasons, the first being it is very hard to imagine living in the space so small so this helps and second, after talking with another landlord on the block it made sense.

Franchisee wants to see 1.5 to 2% each year and not blocked rent where it goes up every 5 years.

It's a Plus for your tenants.. would I want to lug laundry down the block or down to the basement.. your tenants will stay longer, and you'll rent the units out quicker. overall original start up on anything is a cost consideration.. call around for quotes on lease options.. ask if they have used machines for sale ... check craigslist for used machines. 

I am not suggesting to buy a home around several vacant houses unless you are going to buy the whole block and change the neighborhood, but buy on the fringe (corner lot maybe or by a major street or highway).

It's not the end of the world for students but if one unit is rented to a family, mom won't want to deal with street parking 2 blocks away from the students have 10 cars competing for 6 spots and street parking.