I understand that tons of residents have moved due to the plunge in the auto industry and the loss of jobs make it hard to want to come back. 

If you rent out one unit for $2,000 (the high side of Abel's range) that means you're out of pocket $3,000 every month, and on top of that you don't have any money for a surprise large capex item.

From everything I've read in books, It talks about itemizing exactly what brand/color/etc. you want of everything.

Now consider what a 10% loss would do to you.

1 - What makes you think you could sell it, and not take an additional loss, if it wasn't already sold?

not reallyAnother level of complexion is losses that are passive may not be utilized to offset your other income while some taxpayers can. sometimes it's best to keep things simple. 

Scott,There are several items that you need to think about; common area cleaning, common area utilities (electrical at least), laundry room upkeep, fire alarm servicing and possibly monitoring, etc.

I take a 30 year window, and take the three major capex items... roof, HVAC, and Water heater, and add their costs together.

I am so sad to see your losses here, and the loss of a father.

@Jonathan Roper Kansas is experiencing a population and economic loss as a whole.