@Diana Tran, in reality this is a pretty good counter offer.  

For some piping and drywall work.???

Starting at 10 years hold, RE investing usually/virtually  always has produced enough return to counter the high transaction costs.  

The septic inspector said there is likely a crushed drain pipe between the house and the cesspit (cesspit is only about  10 feet from the house), and if this is repaired it should be fine.

Budget 10% of annual rent for this but you get full service help and no late night calls about a pipe bursting. 3) List it yourself on places like Zillow, Facebook, and other real estate sites.

.- Yes to counter top upgrade although just switching out the counter top isn't going to translate into more rent.

I may never buy a building with iron pipes again Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

It turned out to do very well for us and the owner, as there were no maintenance issues except for one larger issue that had to deal with old pipes.

Sign an online lease and just leave the keys on the counter in the unit on their move-in day. 

There were dead bugs under the bed and on the counter.