For the bedrooms we use carpet that is easy to maintain and to clean.

However, we have decided as a society that it is worthwhile to maintain fire departments because the downside of something going wrong, (as rare as it is), is bad enough that it's worth the additional expense.  

If so, does anyone know how long that would take and whether property values will maintain the increase? 

that makes sense but the percentages are only referring to appreciation of the value of the properties over time.But maintaining my monthly cash flow (passive income is important for me because that would be our family's income stream (I'm thinking of leaving the corporate grind to make a living with real estate passive income.So my decision matrix is based on appreciation of the value of the properties as well as maintaining a positive cash for for our family income.If the only dimension was to think of the net worth after twenty years then I think that leveraging would work best....

It's to give notice to the homeowner that in order for those things to get the longest life, and work properly, that they (the homeowner) has a responsibility to maintain them.

Local properties seem easier to maintain, and less risky to own.

o Will the developer be able to purchase building materials, bring them in, and have the labor to build while maintaining affordability?

Ideally your tenants want to be left in peace, pay their rent on time, want to know how you'll maintain the property, and also discover that you're not a pushover and can't walk all over you, so keep that in mind when you're drafting this communication. 

the building has not been maintained well at all so the trim, walls, all that are ready to be replaced.

Find a deal and negotiate terms that allows you to incorporate your student loans into the property while still maintaining a positive cash flow every month.