So my tenants had to go (repeated late rent) and when I got 'home' to start cleaning/fixing etc I discovered a pile of branches in the back yard; the tenants had Butchered my beautiful Prairie Flame Crab Apple tree - as well as removed several branches from my sugar maple. 

The HOA went into the back yard (without permission) and found the following:-Blue tarp folded up in the back yard -A row boat that is rather small (we didn't know it was there but it's very small and not a big deal for us)-An item on the roof that looks like a small table that was blown up there (we agree with removing this)We agree with some of these items, but I'm particularly concerned with the trespassing and identification of items that are not within the control of the HOA.

A recent study found that 52 percent of home buyers relied on yard signs frequently or occasionally during their home search.

We advertise on Postlets and put a sign in the yard.  

I would imagine that pest control and yard care can now be deducted, correct?

Sure you will have a yard but with most kids playing computers and ipads I don't think you would have too much over one of those big box apartment complexes and I'm sure they are going to be running some serious deals in the next few years. 

My criteria is this, concrete block, not on a busy street, not flood, a good looking house, dated is ok, but it feels good when you show it, no goofy additions, nothing weird in the back yard like power lines or ditches, and if I listed it for sale, it would  sell in less than a week or two, my exit strategy.   

I also don't see any costs accounting for yard, trash, common area utilities (exterior lights).

Then you can research on craigslist, zillow, or call around if you see signs in the yard (seems to be pretty popular) to get a feel for what is in the immediate area. -  Pet fees seem to range from 25-50 per month (I've seen most at 25 rent but my manager says he's charged as much as 50).- I'd love to hear what people have to say on the snow issue.

You're talking steel beams, lots of concrete at basement level, high quality windows, high end finishes, fancy back yard, etc, which I doubt you can do for $200 psf. 2 - $20k in rental revenues, even short term, is precarious IMO.