Side note - Will be adding a Profile Picture since I see that was a hot topic in the forums.  

We have purchased a 4 unit just a week ago that we paid 50K for the property but added 20K for improvements flipped a unit the week after close and raised rent $125/mo.

While they can’t go inside, they can sure help let you know when things aren’t adding up.

Great example of adding value!

Not sure having this permitted ads much value, as future buyers can see (or keep good pics) of the work itself. my 2c

The extra payment reduces the principal, substantially reducing the time it takes to pay off a thirty year mortgage.

We have the same situation...we took last year's utility bills, split them among the three units, and added them to market rate rents. 

.,   Yes, I do understand there is extra overhead in terms of time and cost with having an employee, but an employee you develop with the business could be MUCH more valuable than a contractor.

Forgot about taxes, that's extra.

They are comfortable with the extra bit of side cash so that by the time they retire they will have it paid off and then truly have a good steady income.