They don't inspect inside the residence, but they inspect the perimeter of all the homes to see if there are weeds, desert grasses and brush that create a fire hazard.The city does NOT charge to do the inspection.

But what you do is when its over you pick yourself up, brush yourself off and go at it again.

In the real world cash flow is not the static line at the top which drives all of these models.  

Rents are not static, they are a market just like everything else.

Some buyers want to do nothing and are afraid to pick up a paint brush, so this will help alleviate that. 

Your own personal need to adhere to a specific schedule is the cause of this static.

---------------------One final thought (sorry this is so lengthy) - while there are bad apples in every profession, it may be unwise and financially damaging to broad-brush any of them.

Brush up before making arguments, particularly when contradicting seasoned investors like @Will Barnard and @John Thedford.

Do TWO BRUSHED coats of that -- it dries a bit faster than Kilz and works great for problem areas.

This industry takes beginners much less seriously unfortunately, but understandably, because the percentage of people who talk about buying real estate but then never close a deal is extraordinarily high, so beginners get brushed off a bit.