Marc,  Our lease states we cans show the property during the notice interval, and access by the landlord is authorized for showings and inspections.The first step is to visit the property to "preview" it for the marketing, and you can note any big issues that may delay occupancy, and even stress to the residents what they could be docked for.I always tell the residents to protect their valuables because its hard to track other people's children during showings, and the more they cooperate and the faster the house leases, the less time they have to tolerate showings.I've had perfect houses occupied the next day.I've had disasters that need  six weeks to prepare.With this effort and a mid-lease maintenance inspection, there are fewer surprises.

Background: Analyzing a Fourplex, fully occupied, ROI ~8% on current NOI basis assuming 50% in costs (before forced appreciation) (could go to 10% after but not much higher) I would say D area (Low income, high crime). 1920s building and will need maintenance Low income tenants – on month to month and possibly on welfare (not sure) To date my partner and I have only invested in A or B areas and only acquired non occupied units so that we get to select tenants first hand.

It is my new commuting routine on the train, I try to listen to 2-3/day and reading through the Ultimate Beginner's Guide.  

You might consider a larger deposit and state in the lease that minor maintenance issues and repairs needed due to being damaged are the company's responsibility.  

Taxes on this property if in Montgomery county would be aprox 1100 to 1400 a year, insurance would run 800 year  so you need to make sure there is not lots of deffered maintenance ,new heating system 3000 and new roof 6000, etc. you could eat up your cash flow quickly on these items.

Plan for 10% vacancy, maintenance, higher taxes, insurance, cap ex to renovate, reserves, management fee 10%, utilities unless individual metered.

We also pay a annual HOA of $180, plus maintenance, etc.

During your screening process pay close attention to how they will handle maintenance.

I do mostly Flips, but I routinely come across good buy / hold deals.  

There're turnkey company that I already asked and discuss with have management fees, vacancy fees, and maintenance fees.