In other words, what experience/skill set do you bring to the table to make your expertise necessary? 

Find a good syndicator and let them take their cut for having the expertise to manage all the hassle.

I appreciate your expertise.

While rewarding and the pay is great, everytime I see my paycheck and the taxes come out, I ask myself, there's got to be another way to make enough to achieve financial independance. 

When there's a secure area (like a back yard) I'm all for adding a picnic table and nice outdoor furniture (a guy who owns a coffee shop gave me all his outdoor chairs and tables when he bought new ones and so I reward good tenants with nice backyard outdoor furniture). 

But, that sounds a high-risk low-reward behaviour.

You're essentially rewarding the bad behavior to escape a greater loss and then dumping them on the next unsuspecting Landlord.

I am looking for insight and expertise with the HVAC system, because I am newer to real estate investing.There is currently one natural gas furnace in the basement that pushes air to all three units and floors.  

I was thinking that they get paid the most when there is turnover, so has anyone been successful in crafting an agreement that rewards for:Tenant longevityShort vacancyKeeping repair costs down (I do want to address issues though)Dunno...

no matter your strategy, I would find someone with expertise in that area and ask for specific advice.