I have a client who recently purchased a 4 unit in Normal Heights, and is renting his 1/1's for $1750ish, with a smaller yard space than your 425sqft deck. 

Here’s some info on the property:Asking 144,900taxes 1900Top and bottom unitBottom unit a 2 but possibly 4 bed with work 2 bathTop is a 1 bed 1 bathHuge fenced in yard. 

First contractor to walk property made a big stink about how the cabinets weren’t worth salvaging and how he could conveniently get one of his guys who does custom cabinet work in for a complete re-do.

We hauled away 6 bags of garbage (they weren't properly closed hence we saw some of what was in there, plus we wanted to  make sure it was garbage) that she had sitting in the back yard for a few weeks (maggots everywhere) because she was too lazy to bring it to the curb on garbage day.

This is very helpful to have this insight, and it's right in my back yard.

For new construction, you want to try and get cheaper infill deals where you can build homes that are unique and have a smaller footprint (less yard space, no pools etc).

Unfortunately I doubt there’s a section for trash buried in the back yard.

Remember, the tenant is breaking the deal: you should be made whole not only for all the rent you lose, but also the cost of your time, the hassle factor of ads, showings, applicant screenings, utilities at a vacancy, mowing the yard, etc.   

I am going to pay to have someone mow the yard and do pest control.

Someday you may want to own that mansion, the nice cars and have the maid to clean the house, yard boy to mow the yard and the fancy car wash service to detail the car.