To preserve the landscaping that adds value to the properties we pay for semi-annual yard clean-ups and share in the water bill during the dry months.  

Shall I be expected to care of landscaping for the duplexes?

If you need to sell in say 5 years that bigger house in the better neighborhood will sell faster every time over the house on the hill.I am not an expert on landscaping, but I assume there is some type of erosion or prevention that needs to be fixed on that property.  

Cost unknownLandscape - while I would like to update the landscape, it doesn't make sense to put a lot of effort into this.

@Bud Gaffney - did you mention expected taxes, insurance and/or utility & landscaping bills?

Gently remind the tenants that (assumed true) the home has no existing damage from pets (chew, scratch marks,  soiled carpets/interior finishes, damaged landscaping, etc)  and such damage will not be considered normal wear.   

There are a few spots that I know I can save some money and not sacrifice too much time (floors, paints, cabinet install).I actually have the landscaper out there for the next 3 days getting the property all cleaned up.

Cost efficiency being one, but it also gives the sponsor the ability to acquire assets in a competitive landscape with "callable capital." 

I'll stick to free-markets, and if others do the same it'll increase the already competitive landscape of searching for opportunities in more desirable markets. 

I figured 25k for that plus 50k for some basic renovations - two new bathrooms, some landscaping, windows, re-carpet, some new kitchen appliances.