The areas that you mentioned did drop dramatically in the down turn.

By getting a deal first it's almost like you ran into the battlefield butt naked and then screamed to your buddies to get you a gun and bullet proof vest.I'm being dramatic, but I hope you get the point -- build your team NOW!!      

We just purchased 2 more duplexes which will only add 6 months to our payoff time, but will increase the income dramatically!

I also feel that my learning curve was dramatically shortened compared to how long it would have taken me to get to this point on my own.  

But I've learned the REI Blackbook interface and capabilities pretty thoroughly, and can say that their systems will be a major boost to my business for a long time to come. 

Traditionally banks have sold without repairs, but some are now doing at least minor repairs, so the difference in quality may not be as dramatic. 

I dont know any US jurisdictions but there are places where the cap gains tax drops dramatically or to nothing after x years - so, you would want to sell and invest in the next one to get this advantage again.

@ross Ellington dropping a storage shed in the back yard and tacking on additional rent is an example of endless ways to boost rent above market after you've secured a qualified tenant.

But I will say that by reviewing this with the tenant at the signing of the lease and explaining simple things to them has cause misc maint calls down dramatically.

Cost of adding adding square footage can vary dramatically but in San Jose for a median priced home, should range between $100-200.