It simply doesn't work from a standard rental perspective so we discussed other options and as an outside observer from the air and the ground, LA county looked to me like a gigantic mall with houses mixed in.

Trouble is, most out of state observers do.  

And as you pointed out, the parameters I laid out was a one time observation of duplex I was watching from afar.

A few observations, and perhaps inevitably some stereotypes - i'm an immigrant myself, and a stereotype of another kind, i supose:1.

We can also confirm as we did above with the PV or we could confirm with long version of discounting the cash flow.I see: I was discounting the initial outflow when it was already part of the present value.Another observation: The difference between the PV and NPV formula is nothing more than the format of the input; Same as, the difference between the Rate and IRR formula is nothing more than the format of the input.

With regular annual inspections including scheduled spraying for prevention of insects/bed bugs as a former employee of a broker and as a tenant my observation shows 10 years is about the maximum.Personally, in my opinion carpet is highly unhygienic, attracts odors and has a short life compared to hard surfaced floors and it amazes me that it has taken so many years for the trend to switch reflected in more apartment complexes featuring hardwood (I'm in Reno, NV where there has been a surge of bed bugs so this may be a big part of the switch-regular preventive fumigation in addition to that for prior to move-ins and outs is common too.)

Keen intuition and observation skills.14 years as "Accessibility Services Manager" at a major medical center, providing accommodations for people with disabilities and language/cultural support services.

IMO This is not meant to be critical of anyone, just a factors observed.

Interesting observations.  

It just like flying you sit and observe George ( name of auto pilot) make sure he is acting nice.