They need supply you with a seller's disclosure.  

You could also look into construction/absorption rates of units in the area which will paint a picture of the supply levels in your market.

It was recommended to stay away from the 10/12:00 group of contractors as they are more than likely getting a late start OR they  have forgotten supplies that they need for the day which is wasting time on the project they are currently working on! 

http://www.har.com/content/newsroomHouston Real Estate Highlights in April Single-family home sales declined a fractional 0.6 percent compared to last April;On a year-to-date basis, single-family home sales are up 1.6 percent;Total property sales declined 2.0 percent to 7,583 units;Total dollar volume fell 1.6 percent to $2.01 billion;At $278,544, the single-family home average price was down 1.0 percent compared to last April;The single-family home median price rose 3.3 percent year-over-year to an all-time April high of $217,000;Single-family homes months of inventory climbed to a 3.6-months supply versus 2.9 months a year earlier;Townhome/condominium sales fell 12.6 percent with the average price up 4.1 percent to $206,832 and the median price up 7.3 percent to $153,450;Leases of single-family homes leapt 18.1 percent with rents up 2.6 percent to $1,811;Leases of townhomes/condominiums soared 26.0 percent with rents down 1.7 percent to $1,574.

At that point I may offer to pay for shingles and their delivery with payment going directly to the supply house.

Tenants are extremely hard on appliances, it is not uncommon.Landlord Responsibilities: Landlord will at all times during the tenancy keep the premises fit for human habitation, and shall in particular:a.Cultivate, care for and mow surrounding grass, lawn, flowers, and shrubberyb.Maintain the premises to substantially comply with any applicable code, statue, ordinance, or regulation governing the premisec.Maintain the roof, floors, walls, foundations, and all other structural components in reasonable good repair as to be usable and capable of resisting normal loadsd.Keep any shared or common areas reasonable clean, sanitary, and safe from defects increasing the hazards of fire or accidente.Provide a reasonable program for the control of infestation by insects, rodents, and other pests at move in f.Except where the condition is attributable to normal wear and tear, make repairs and arrangements necessary to put and keep the premises in as good condition as at move ing.Provide reasonably adequate locks and provide keys to the tenanth.Maintain all electrical, plumbing (main lines), heating, and other facilities and appliances supplied by Landlord in reasonably good working orderi.Maintain the unit in reasonably weather tight conditionj.Provide facilities adequate to supply heat and water and hot water as reasonably required by the tenant

Our "How to Choose a Property Manager” handout is available upon request from me, StacyA McBain, Kelly Turpin of Swope Investment Properties who presented on this topic at AVID.12.Handyman /ContractorDIY MANAGERS ALSO NEED CONTACTS THAT PROPERTY MANAGERS MAINTAIN:PainterRoofer Cleaner - Tips and products: Don Aslett cleaning supplies Concrete/Excavation Carpet Cleaner - Pressure washer for exterior, full-service janitorialMold RemediationChimney Pest ControlAppliance RepairFlooringSupplies HVAC PlumberElectricianLandscaper/sprinkler techAssessor’s officeGutter cleaners

But based on the numbers you supplied, all of your properties appear to be meeting the 50% Rule.

I would be supplying the cash (down payment) and credit (for the mortgage), and my business partner would do all the remaining work (including property management).

Is this explosion of apartments, high influx of people, and low supply spilling over into other areas....Fort Collins, Colorado springs, etc..?