Cash for keys, screening, and lease enforcement seem crucial, no doubt.I’m curious, though—I've been in rooms with pretty successful multifamily operators, and many of them actually frown upon eviction because of the cost, lost rent, turnover expenses, and time.

In the future, I’ll factor in contractor costs more.

Usually you can negotiate it for a few thousand and buying new costs about $20/ft. 

In fact, I would want to go even lower because there's a very good chance some damage is hidden and costs will run higher than anticipated.If you aren't experienced, I recommend you just buy the good apple. 

The tenants were more interested in that than turning on the already-installed alarm system because there was no monthly cost.

You can create a formula for splitting that cost among the tenants.

You are correct in your assumption that it will impact how low they can go on the down payment, though, b/c commissions will need to be paid out of closing costs. 

You’re on the right track—build awareness of costs where it directly impacts their role, but don’t overcomplicate the program with factors they can’t control.

This gets you in the game with minimal upfront costs.Covering the Smaller Costs (Inspections, Appraisals, Earnest Money, etc.)Even when using other people’s money, you’ll need some cash for earnest money deposits, inspections, and carrying costs.

It will cost less than $150,000 and will need moderate renovation work.