Speaking to a contractor, just to remodel 3 of the 8 buildings could cost around $750,000. 

The cost of the program is 35K upfront and then approximately $3500/mo for all marketing.

Rising maintenance costs, turnover, Taxes, and other expenses will also contribute to this.  

@Ryan Prichard one of the better options out there that can handle commercial properties, for what I'd consider a "low cost" platform is Hemlane. 

They're the low-cost experts after all right?

A lot of it is the standard Buildium application, most of the extras I put in there after reading Landlording on Autopilot by Mike Butler.Application fee needs to cover all your screening costs. 

However, the success of your project will depend on factors like location, renovation costs, and market timing.Many investors have found great success by focusing on high-demand neighborhoods with strong buyer interest.

Management & Leasing FeesManagement Fee: 10% of the monthly rent = $180/monthLeasing Fee (Tenant Placement): 60% of one month’s rent = $1,080 (one-time)Lease Renewal Fee: $250 per lease renewalUpfront & Annual FeesOnboarding Fee: $350 (one-time for setting up the property)Annual Administrative Fee: $45 per year (for statements and 1099s)Reserve Fund Requirement: $300 (held for maintenance and expenses)Maintenance & RepairsOrdinary Maintenance: Any repair costs exceeding $300 require owner approval.Emergency Repairs: Up to $300 without prior approval; HVAC, plumbing, and electrical repairs can go up to $500 without approval.Home Warranty Claim Handling: $40 per claim (if applicable).Multiple Quotes Request Fee: $100 per request if you require multiple vendor quotes.HVAC Filter Supply Fee: $195 per year per HVAC unit.Repairs & Improvements: 10% markup over vendor invoice cost.Additional FeesInterest on Unpaid Sums: 10% late fee with a $39 minimum per month.Paper Check Administrative Fee: $20 per check if not using direct deposit.Insurance Documentation Penalty: $40 per month if proof of insurance is not provided.Eviction Protection Program (Optional): $15/monthProperty Damage Protection Program (Optional): $25/monthTermination FeesEarly Termination Fee: Equal to the management fees for the remaining lease term.Vacant Property Termination Fee: $500 if no tenant is in place.Transfer to Another Manager: $500 file transfer fee. 

Real estate presents opportunities for tax planning which essentially boil down to depreciation/cost recovery.

Things that would be helpful to know: how much are your holding costs?