All they see is a 10% increase on a weekend, or month over month, and they call it price gouging.  

The residential lease market in Washington, DC, from January 2024 to January 2025 has experienced some changes:Units Listed: The number of units listed decreased by 78, a 15.92% decrease, from 490 to 412.Listed Median Price: The listed median price increased by $175, a 6.19% increase, from $2,825 to $3,000.Units Leased: The number of units leased decreased by 58, a 19.86% decrease, from 292 to 234.Sold Median Price: The sold median price increased by $100, a 3.51% increase, from $2,850 to $2,950.Summary: A decrease in units listed and leased indicates a reduction in supply and demand year over year.

PITI increases. 

My main concern with this this is it's a separate asset that has to be attached to the structure.What happens when you need to have the roof replaced they're going to have to detach that thing.

NYC property values are increasing at or above the national average (4%).

However, the beneficiary interest is not a disclosed matter re the trust.You need to check any tax concerns with your tax professional.Stay safe out thereAlan

They are about the same cost (which surprised me) but for a rental property that is really probably mostly for pets, I'm concerned about maintenance and upkeep.

Quote from @Jaycee Greene: A few things I noticed, in addition to having the tenant pay the utilities are:1) Incorporate annual increases in rent higher than 2% (in your area, maybe 4%-5%) with a slightly smaller increase in operating expenses (say 2%-3%)2) With a gut rehab, I'm not sure why you need to spend $128/month on cap ex, at least for the first year or 2.3a) An 80% cash out refi is probably going to be hard to get.

I would be more concerned about the brother in law potentially moving out mid-lease and leaving the couple.

You can simply request a separate check for the $100 increase to bring the total deposit in line with the new rent amount.