You need to figure that the average tenant will stay in your rental for 2 to 5 years and then the cost to paint a $1200 to $2000 sq ft home is about $3,000 to $4,000 plus flooring replacement, tree trimming and other yard work, blinds, cleaning and many repairs like broken sinks, faucets, appliances, fence repairs, etc.Post all your numbers and lets have a look. 

does it have trees?

You might be able to buy a lovely turn-of-the-century brick house on a tree-lined street for a pittance, but it just doesn't break even as a rental if you can only get $1k/mos renters. 

Personally, it wasn't my cup of tea so I quickly went back to what I was doing. 

You did not want to pay $4,000 to get that huge old dying tree removed, so mother nature did it for you17.

If they are dragging their heels, I find some code violation (usually tree limbs in the yard) and tell the city code enforcer. 

Tenant shall be charged for repair of drain blockages or stoppages, unless caused by defective plumbing parts or tree roots invading sewer lines. 

Violations such as:Missing house number on the back of my houseOvergrown trees in the ally behind my houseLarge cardboard boxes from a TV at the side of my houseChipped paintThe frequency of these violations is concerning, especially since my building is in relatively great shape compared to others on my street.

You will need to get a local, rockstar Realtor, contractor, lender, and property manager.https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/core-four-real-estate-tea...I invest locally in Columbus, Ohio

You will need to get a local, rockstar Realtor, contractor, lender, and property manager.https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/core-four-real-estate-tea...I invest locally in Columbus, Ohio