@Christian LicataRenting property provides steady passive income, long-term wealth building, and tax advantages, but may be low initially due to mortgage payments and maintenance.

<after 5% cap-ex, vacancy, maintenance, etc... barely making $50/mo> but in it for the long-term equity not income <at this point>.

When my maintenance dude went to the house this summer, he turned on the breaker to the AC and it sparked at him so we replaced the whole panel which wasn't cheap.

They've got some funky laws when turing a unit or buying a property with deferred maintenance. 4.

I would also try especially in the beginning at least quarterly to complete some routine maintenance and make sure the house is being taken care of properly. 

I have a property in Florida where the HOA is responsible for maintenance and repair of all parts of the building outside of my unit walls, including the roof.

Only thing I'd say is do your own maintenance.

So would be beneficial to find a contract for maintenance?

There are 3 safe harbors available to you-De Minimis Safe Harbor ElectionSafe Harbor Election for Small Taxpayers (sounds a bit condescending)Safe Harbor for Routine MaintenanceCheck these out...Frankly given the amount, and what you are doing (low materiality to the plumbing system unit of property), I would expense it.

There really isn't much yard and no grass for a landscaper, so would not need a landscape contract, but I was not anticipating the amount of maintenance for weeds and debris.