I guess tenants don't know what a plunger or snake is or even bother to try to take care of issues themselves. 

@Andrea ShieldsDawn is spot in ... a little elbow grease and fresh paint have the biggest impact.For all our new clients, we leave a package of little things: a new toilet brush, plunger, shower curtain & rings, and an under sink caddy of cleaning supplies.

For example,if they put cement down the sewer they could claim the sewer always had problems but because they were paying such low rent that they lived with having to constantly plunger. 

Tenant agrees to keep on hand and properly use a plunger when necessary to unclog drains and prevent water overflow from toilet, sinks and bathtub.7.

My managing took me around 10 - 15 hours per week, and I did almost no maintenance (I could light pilot lights and lend out toilet plungers, but that was about it for maintenance - I did not clean or prepare units). 

So, that would average out to about 2 hours per week per unit, over a year.Suggestion: When you rent out a unit, leave a new toilet plunger in the bathroom.  

We prepare a move-in gift package that includes cleaning supplies (degreaser, carpet spot cleaner, vinegar, baking soda, magic eraser, disinfectant wipes), cutting board, plunger, hand soap, dish soap, paper towels, and toilet paper, presented in a cleaning bucket and reusable shopping bag. ($30)  At move-in we also loan the tenant the use of drop cloth runners (to protect the flooring on move-in day), furniture moving blankets, furniture sliders, furniture lifting straps, a step stool, and a picture hanging tool kit (with small hammer and picture hooks). 

Then, sure, use an onsite PM who is your employee, who works for a free apartment and/or a salary, but has an incentive to increase your profits rather than nickel and dime you to death, like most PM contracts allow.Give a toilet plunger as a move-in gift.If you advertise units on Craigslist, etc., let all calls go to voicemail. 

Chalk, screws, nails, putty, spare knobs for the shower and sinks, plunger, snake and wet-dry vacuum.  

A new toilet plunger.