We both work full time and have a newborn-- we don't want the tenants to KNOW that we're the owners ;-) I was hoping that the property management company could shoulder the maintence needs for the units and that the "50% rule" would cover the costs to pay their maintence workers etc.

I have a tenant applicant who asked if I would consider replacing my existing washer and dishwasher to an energy and water saving model.They are willing to pitch some $ in.In my case, the washer was practically brand new (3 months) and the dishwasher is on it's last leg and perhaps could use an upgrade.Have you guys done this and do you shoulder the cost 100% as a courtesy or do you somehow split the cost in some way such that they enjoy the newer appliances but you don't have to incur unnecessary expenses?

Of course they will not but I wouldn't want to be looking over my shoulder my whole life waiting for boulder to run me over.

You'll probably get others to convince you they can do a 75% or higher LTV but I think you should keep your head on your shoulders and feet on the ground.

But as the agent of the owner I cannot in good conscience go to them and ask them to shoulder the financial burden in place of the tenant if I don't do my due diligence to ensure it is warranted. 

Being so far apart it'll be more difficult to establish a connection, and ultimately one of them will set themselves head and shoulders above the rest.

Then you've got tenants that have a chip on their shoulder.

Without it ..all you can do is stare ,like a window shopper, at the good things of life , shrug your shoulders and move on .

If this can be done it will be a huge weight off our shoulders as there is no sense in paying rent for 2 places. 2.

I will say that the stress of having this off our shoulders and not have to hear him stressing out about it every single day is almost worth the $3k to me.