The homes I'm interested in are much older than the 1980s/1990s SFH constructions in warm weather climates I'm holding today, and I was hoping to see the repair history to get a comfort level with what I was getting into.Is this an uncommon request, or not?  

It is not at all uncommon for a buyer to present the seller with the home inspection report in its entirety and a simple demand to just "fix it all".  

It's not uncommon for new flippers to be in the red for their first project or two.

That said, that particular niche is SUPER competitive right now. it's not uncommon to see 20+ offers on a duplex that is properly renovated and in a decent area.

For what it's worth regarding my property, these uncommon types of paired SFR units typically sell for less than a comparably-sized traditional detached SFR in my area, as much as 25% less... but the rents are barely 10% less, and they rent for more than condos (which often have about the same monthly payment when you factor in HOA,) making them prime buy and hold candidates, in my opinion.

@Lakshay G.It's actually not uncommon for people to not own property but buy rental property.

It's (in my limited experience) not uncommon to see a "residential" agent/broker end up with an 8-unit listing.

It wouldn't be uncommon to have to move tenants in an out multiple times a year.I'm assuming this is included in your expense numbers, but Kettering students aren't your typical student rentals, and you probably want to make sure you buyer knows that as well.

So when you call around make sure you ask for that specifically...and if they don't seem to quite understand (which is not uncommon) ask to speak directly to someone in their commercial or business lending department.

Agent commissions can range and you have to look at everything you are paying for outside of just your commissions. 70/30 isn't uncommon, but there are minimum price quota you need to hit in order to retain 100% of that commission.