Once I place this cost as part of the initial Capital, number turn in to positive. 

Other times properties that cost a little more are in better condition and thus require less maintenance.

Providing appliances is going to increase your maintenance cost as the tenants regularly break, damage or leave them incredibly dirty. 500+ units and counting and the system works very well for us.

Maybe they have the thermostat set at 72, but it never gets below 74 due to the above issues.It's been a hot summer, HVAC equipment that isn't running properly can cost a small fortune.

you could warn your friend that the tenant can complain to the board of health and it will cost a lot more than just fixing it.

The good news is, by the end of your lease, buying a primary may cost a lot less.

So they might cost a little more and have 2x HVAC, water heater, etc.

Missing a key step or deadline will cost a lot more than the potential savings!

I worked on some old boiler, they are not efficient and they cost a lot for the repair. but I saw some new are very good but expensive. in my opinion, boilers are not right for real estate investors, let me know,  follow up I will do my best to help you on that. have an HVAC Tech to look at just for a regular check-up and he will tell you.

Now, I'm not saying a clever lawyer can't figure out how to make, argue and win a case like that, but I do know clever lawyers cost a lost of money and they typically don't work for free or only if they win in these cases.