I have a ca. 1908 multi-family in Portland area and it has averaged about $1600/yr in general maintenance/ repair (includes replacing a number of windows, trim repair, smoke alarm replacements, batteries, bulbs, paint...etc.) + $45/mo.

It has no batteries or moving parts.I have a camera system that monitors the front exterior and boat dock for security purposes.I had a parent that rented the house for her high school daughters Prom party.

In the future, make sure language in the lease addresses this.You want to avoid having a tenant work on your property for a few reasons: The work may be done poorly and you'll have to redo it; the tenant may become injured doing the work and bring a lawsuit against you; it muddies the waters of your  existing relationship.The most I allow my tenants to do is change out the smoke detector batteries if needed- even that is in the lease.Good luck!

I drive a 2000 Toyota Tundra that has never given me any trouble.I would avoid hybrids, especially in the price range you're thinking of, as there is a very strong chance you'll be replacing batteries soon and that's VERY expensive.  

So maybe some new tech there but I would be surprised.I would even put yeast down the toilet every time I changed the batteries in the smoke detectors. 

I think doing inspections more often is too invasive.We checked the smoke detectors and put in new batteries, checked for running toilets (runs the water bill up and we paid the water bill), checked plumbing for leaks, including under sinks, checked the window a/c unit to be sure it's not leaking where it could cause damage, checked to see if the heater and/or a/c units were working.We'd ask if they needed the pilot light turned on or off for the gas heater, depending on time of year (they can make a place too warm in summer).  

We just checked smoke detectors, changed the batteries, checked carbon monoxide detectors, checked for plumbing leaks, checked for running toilets, leaking a/c unit, and asked if they had anything they needed fixed.  

Make sure the smoke detectors meet requirements - some have to be replaced if a certain age, make sure the batteries are new.  

Then, schedule an inspection in a month or so saying you need to check the smoke detector batteries and check for plumbing leaks. 

I did have fans going using my car battery as a power source and I even have a house with raised ceilings...built before a/c existed...and the heat was still unrelenting.