The expectation in my neck of the woods is price will be flat and growth will be slower.

Either a flat fee or % of 1 mo rent.

Ill replace the toilet as its broken but then it looks like the bathroom is half baked.

I have also used a flat fee before $150 - $250 just because it takes the same amount of work to renew a tenant on a nice unit as it does on a rougher one.

Some charge a flat contingency , ie 20-30%.

I'll give a flat fee quote and the client can tell me to move forward. 

Alternatively, if they show that you're posting things like Happy Birthday to my dearest friend and recipes for baking, that makes me feel like you're less likely to throw a raging kegger in my unit - at least less likely than the person drinking heavily over the weekend.

A majority of the potential appreciation has to be baked into the current prices at least for the short-medium term..  

In Chicago, where I am buying, it is not uncommon to see expenses run a bit higher (closer to 55%) due to boiler heat, cold winters, flat roofs, etc. 

Closing in January...still hearing such a mixed review on owning rentals. I guess everyone's experience is different for a variety of reasons. But after reading so much on here I feel a little prepared and have a exce...