I actually work in a university maintenance organization so I have access to guys who are licensed in HVAC, plumbing, elect, etc and the HVAC guy recommended to match everything up. 

I went into the house yesterday and there will be lots of deferred maintenance as the owners have taken a very hands off approach to landlording.

. $56.25 (5% vacancy rate exp), $112.50(maintenance) $70.42 (ins.), $120 (taxes).

Just want to cover the increased utility cost and not have to deal with maintenance or money collection on the machines.

I have offered to share maintenance etc but the answer is no.My only option is convert it to a 2 unit or knock down and build new.Property cost $36,000Average asking of a 4 unit $180,000Average asking of a 2 unit $150,000Average sales comps of a single family $120,000 plusAverage rent $800 plusWhat you think my next move should be?

The good thing in apartments in Greece, is maintenance is close to 0...that means that your holding costs will be minimal and you can wait for appreciation if we assume that the economy will eventually go better (10 years from now if you ask me)Consult with a tax accountant for your taxes as a foreigner.To rent out its a little tricky since tenant law is quite liberal. 

As I think about creative ways to obtain my first property, I can't help but think a little outside the box.I own a lawn maintenance business and while we mainly deal with residential (better money), the company can handle small to mid sized commercial properties.

We just did 5 new mail boxes on a 4x4 cross bar & support for - Mail boxes $12 each- 4x4's $16.85- Apt # Lettering $5- Maintenance guy $25I would assume if they can get away with $100-$200 every couple of months they probably felt justified in milking you for quick $135. 

Most people like to see 2% but not possible in all markets.Based off of the $1400/mo rent, using the 50% rule $700 would go out in expenses such as taxes, insurance, vacancy, maintenance and repairs leaving the remainder for debt service and profit.That would mean $8400 NOI Est.  

This allows me to acquire the property at a lower price point and either do a complete reposition, if the area will support it, or just improve the units sightly to get a better quality tenant and increase the cash flow with rent increases and lower the expenses with lower maintenance costs.