If everythings the same I'd go for the 4 unit building. 1 roof, 1 foundation, 1 siding, 1 yard, 1 snow removal to maintain.

I've talked it over with someone who has done mold remediation before, and he said that in most cases the dry wall is salvagable and would assume so in this instance as well, although he hasn't seen the home personally to confirm.

I wouldn't put too much into a yard with a dog involved.

I built up the grade around the perimeter of the house and the problem went away.If the water is flowing from the yard to the crawlspace then grade may be the issue.

In CT the landlord must:provide a clean apartment when the tenant moves in; clean common areas (hallways, stairs, yards, entryways); keep hallways and entryways lighted well; and, keep plumbing and heating systems working (both hot and cold running water).correctly repaired and safe stairways, porches, floors, ceilings and walls; good locks on the doors to the apartment; safe fire exits from the building; two electrical outlets in each room; viewing devices on doors that open onto a hallway (in some communities); extermination service if the apartment is infested with pests or rodents; and a smoke detector that is in working order.

I thought that there would be zoning issues, but I came across this property where it looks like the owner is building some in the back yard of some multi-family units: http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/602-Perceful-St-Roland-OK-74954/2114548342_zpid/This 6-unit apartment complex includes the empty lot next to it: http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/218-N-Market-Ave-Shawnee-OK-74801/2113968842_zpid/Is it possible / legal/a good idea to build self-storage units on the same property as your apartment complex?

I was 'driving for dollars' today and noticed an estate sale in my neighborhood and there was no realtors sign in the yard, so I started thinking.

how much do you pay by the foot/yard for each of the different materials?

There are 2-2car garages, so I can rent the 1BDR's for $500 and the 2BDR's for $600 Income: $2200My ExpensesTaxes: $373Insurance: $75Water: $220Trash: $42Gas & Elect: $280Maintenance: $108 ($325 per unit, per year - I just picked that number)Landscaping: $25 (small yard, less than 10'x 20', mostly winter snow removal driveway & walkway)I got these utilities by getting rates from a sister property that is fully occupied and has the same layout.

I found an off market 3br 1 ba 1197sqft the man says he'll take 20k for it.It needs a medium rehab 20k or so, it has a large back yard.