RIP, Jimmy Napier.

The only reason I didn’t rip off the bandaid and raise rents the full $500 is because I planned to switch it to where the tenants will be paying for their own heat.

If the repair process requires painting the whole thing, which it may need to look good- I'd optimistically put the lifespan of a professional/specialized 2-part (epoxy or urethane) tub/surround (or tile paint) etc- paint job, with above average prep work at ~3 years.. a "high quality" tub respray like this will cost just as much as a brand new tub, and touching up/blending a spot repair is specialized, expensive work as well. but yes I agree with the other replies either way -(unless, *perhaps* there is already easy access from behind etc to get to the repairs and inspect flooring etc without taking tub out)- it makes sense to rip it all out so you can address any potential water damage, and overall there is no reason the resulting new unit shouldn't cost aprox the same ballpark as the repairs .. and new of course will look much better with a much longer lifespan. 

Sounds like your handyman isn't trying to rip you off, and he's done this before.

From my POV.it really depends on asset class and tenant Class.. this is a huge distinction. my clients that I sold apartment complex to in Oregon with B class.. they pay 4% but then have to pay for on site manager as employee.. so 4% to manage the on site person so that person does not rip you off :).However for BP and I have to think the vast majority of the rental property investors on this site that have gone to  D C B out of state markets.. those props are not like a 600k rental in Denver and the tenant that comes with it.. or really any city with a A class tenant..

Avoid lipstick on the pig.Renovations like nice kitchens and bathrooms are great for rental properties, but it is not everything.A property that has been cosmetically renovated, but has no capital improvements is worse than one that has been very well-maintained, but might have older cosmetics.If I walk into a property and I see that the kitchens and bathrooms have been redone, but all the walls are plaster there's no grounding in the electrical and the plumbing has never been updated that I consider it a full gut.It's a shame to pay a premium because of a nice kitchen and bathroom only to find out that you have to rip it all apart.It is usually less expensive to do cosmetic rehab for rentals than capital improvements. 

Thats a HUGE assumption.... there are plenty great ones out there but this forum is filled with posts about ****** PM's and contractors...... horrible and unsafe work....contractors that rip people off and disappearIf you have a great PM and reliable contractors that do good work, they are worth every penny. 

So the plan is keep and/or 1031 until I die, then have all gains and depreciation magically ripped away via the current tax laws.  

Word of advice, do not pay a contractor a penny upfront, you will 99% chance, be ripped off.

I bet this manager is ripping tenants off without owners knowledge.