Maintenance repairs, on the other hand, are the day-to-day fixes like fixing leaks or replacing a broken light fixture.

Most tenants are happy to pay it because they understand a broken contract comes with penalties.My agreement requires them to participate in showings to potential renters during their final 30 days.

Is having a plumber or electrician come to repair broken pipes or whatever considered just maintenance that does not qualify and things that only improve the property such as rehab or say installing sprinklers in the landscape etc.How do we decide what the difference is if in fact this is the case as I described.ThanksRichard      

Investing internationally is a huge opportunity, especially now that the US model based on cheap debt is kinda broken, but investors need to know what they're doing or they need to work with people who know what they're doing.

I'd rather fix broken properties and cherish what's already built.

We had someone stay for a year, and we had to repaint the whole house, touch up trim everywhere, fix a few broken windows. 

Similar to undisturbed asbestos: if it isn't being broken up and entering the air supply, it will not do you any harm.But, per your comment and aligning with my message: you really need to know about building conditions, warning signs, building codes, tenant/landlord laws, etc.  

If shingles are broken or missing, leaking, rotting, etc, that's a defect.

We had a couple of interior punch list items, like a broken closet door, but nothing serious.

How do you know if your are being taken advantage by a PM if you have no idea what it costs to repair a broken water pipe or rotten deck railing.Investors that never take the time to hands on manage their first few properties are 100% at the mercy of a stranger.