For this duplex we are looking at, if both sides are rented out, the pure cash flow is between $348 (worse case due to CapX, repairs, maintenance) and $1208 (best case).

Glen Carbon has a yearly inspection requirement (not a bad idea on its own) but the pass/fail decision is purely subjective and depends on the mood of the inspector.

The trend as seen to be that real-estate generally goes up in value over the long term.Now if were talking pure demand, yeah that's truly unpredictable. 

I also state that our property managers will be reaching out to them in the following weeks to set up times to replace batteries in the smoke detectors and other basic maintenance.

Typically I provide them with a mini-gift basket of the necessities; light bulbs, batteries, $25 Lowes gift card, cleaning supplies and air filters. 

or are you wanting a pure investment property?

Because it is not my own experience, I cannot say anything else on this.)My decision was ruled purely by two mathematical considerations:1 - Not being a bettor on market appreciation, I invest for cash flow.

@Aaron LandsYou've probably already done this but consider putting up signs.Consider also putting very visible fake cameras to save the money on the camera options.We have used a solution called SWAN smart camera (Menards product) which has motion activation and you get about 1, maybe 2 weeks of use on the batteries. 

.-  Can be wired for power or battery/solar powered.

With our litigious and predatory society there are few purely domestic asset protection planning strategies that offer California residents "true" or "full" Asset Protection.