We have had duplexes with shared water, sewer, and trash billing, as well as shared driveways.The long term tenants act more like owner occupants, planting flowers, etc. and in some cases neighbors think that they are the owners. 

It covers internet, water, trash, cable, and exterior (roof, siding, etc.).

Primarily desert washes, but also near a creek....So I would go knock on doors and ask neighbors when it has flooded and what they think about the area......maybe call the County water board and ask then what has happened there in the past.

The US Tax systems, when compared to the EU, seems to be setup for capitalists. 1031 exchanges, write-offs, etc.

 @Jordan Laney Asking what others pay for snow removal and comparing your yearly spend to past years is not productive.

So, they got taken advantage of.4) They didn't do enough research on comparable properties before doing repairs - so went either overboard or slumlord, instead of properly Maintaining to the Neighborhood.The other challenge we encounter often is investors expecting perfection.

Also, I believe the tax benefits are horrible compared to the states, but I'm not too sure.

He's the guy who shared my interested and connected us, he wouldn't recommend him as a seller if he had bad experiences with his other properties.I did ask about other properties and he shared about a duplex for $200k, but I wouldn't be able to afford the down payment needed.He acknowledged the rent is low compared to the market and never mentioned that it's his "best" property.1) Agree, but if he's been a good tenant is that necessarily a problem?

PMs can minimize their suffering from unrealistic expectations by showing comparable properties that are on the market for rent and having a discussion with the landlord as to how their property compares and how his property can be more attractive to renters.Landlords are running a business. 

PS  my Detroit section 8 folks were not the easiest .. compared to the bible belt..