., I think you nailed it: the TENANT BASE in Boston has low expectations, so even low quality buildings fetch great returns.

Curious where you got the water and heat numbers, they seem kinda low, unless thats per unit. if the siding is slate asbestos, going over it is generally not an option because when a nail is driven through, it will break and fall behind the vinyl, now do this all the way up and you have a big problem. 

So due to this recent windstorm in our area, 2-3 shingles are missing from my roof.Similarly, this corner board has come loose from the siding and needs to be screwed/nailed back and caulked.Question is, we are expecting some rain later part of this week.

The cost of goods from lumber, to paint, to nails, to singles...all are up.  

Basically, I fought tooth and nail to keep my house and business in addition to 50% of the time with my boys, but I had to pay heavily for what I came away with. 

.$2,000 to make Ready Home (750 sq foot, 1 story home) ________________________________$95.00 - Landscaping / Clean Out Flowerbeds$150 - Exterior Painting$150 - Landscaping / Tree Shrubs$250 - Haul Off (Limbs, Tires, Furniture)$225 - Full House Cleaning (One Story)$495 - Wall and ceiling repairs/Paint Touch up the house from nail holes and scuff marks Seal the joints in the bathroom Walls, trim, and doors touch up Seal above the kitchen cabinetsThis all seems excessively high to me... isnt this $15/hour work with a handyman?

We spent over a year looking for this property and nailed the reno budget in every other aspect, but if we have to spend $25k on lead abatement then that will wipe out over a year's worth of CF....How do you guys handle lead paint in your rentals?

@Jon Deavers and @Ben Sears hit the nail on the head though.

Put as much polish on that tu*d as you wish and it will still never shine.

And if the community is small enough, go old school and ask to put up flyers at local businesses; nail and hair salons, coffee shops, grocery bulletin boards, etc.