So that would be a wash.   

If I sold and had the equity balance in a market investment that would return, say 4 to 8% a year, I would need net positive cash flow of $0-200 per month to achieve the same return renting it, if I do count the ~220/month of principle that would still be going in.Dunno yet, the more I look, the more it looks like a wash all the way around.I'll check out that calculator, thanks!

I had to install a anti siphon/back wash valve on the utility sink and we removed the water softener as it was not plumbed "correctly" - could not lock the bypass. 

What do they wash each time?

Some updates could raise rents- adding a communal laundry, adding separate heating units (currently all on the same heat with no individual unit control), etc.

Rental Calc Monthly Yearly   Income Rental Income $ 2,325.00 $ 27,900.00 Laundry $ - $ - Storage $ - $ - Misc $ - $ -   Expenses Mortgage (Includes insurance and taxes) $ (956.00) $ (11,472.00) Utilities $ (150.00) $ (1,800.00) HOA $ - $ - Lawn-Shoveling $ (50.00) $ (600.00) Vacancy $ (116.25) $ (1,395.00) Capex $ (186.00) $ (2,232.00) Property Management $ (186.00) $ (2,232.00) Misc unexpected (Repairs) $ - $ -     $ 680.75 $ 8,169.00 

The garage was converted and added to the living room/dining room area with a separate laundry room and all done to code. 

Each building has extended about 100 square feet for creating a laundry room.

Was he a speculator?

Honestly,  what my wife and I want out of investing is more financial freedom, to run our own business,  and a laundry list of other reasons.