Or estimate repairs based on X. 

By chance, did you used to live in Hopkins? 

For us Californians, the best thing to to might be just to start small, with great insurance, and keep your OOS tenants happy (be thoughtful)...that usually will reduce the chances of a lawsuit from the get-go.

@Scott EdwardsI think part of the reason this isn't usually taken into direct account is everybody's tax situation, bracket, etc. is different, so it's very difficult to estimate how owning a particular property will impact their tax liability for the year.With that being said, it's a definite benefit of owning real estate and more sophisticated rental property calculators do show the tax benefits (like depreciation and mortgage interest deductions).

I haven't had a chance to make it back to Chicago so was hoping people had recommendations of who they've used for walkthroughs.Thanks in advance!

It depends on how busy they are and what you're asking for them to do.On a related note, contractors are usually charging to give estimates now due to how busy they are.

@Cindy Hurtado You can't base your estimate off of the tax history in SC.

Turns out, he was thinking about selling, but hadn't had a chance to list it yet.

Whether you have security or not, most people don't take a chance when they see signs.

There aren't really any formulas for this, your best bet might be to look at the pictures in rental comps other than that I would estimate the difference to be about $100 in rent for every $1000 of rental value if everything in a non-updated unit is clean, usable and looks reasonably nice.