The next unit we will have to replace carpet and I'd like to clean up the moulding but hope not to replace. 

Please correct me if I am missing some line items here, but here are the working numbers for the property:+ Gross Rental Income: $150,000- Cleaning Fees: ($21,600)- Management Fees:  ($19,260)- Property Taxes: ($3,700)- Insurance: ($2,400)- Trash & Local Tax: ($650)- Utilities: ($7,200)- Pest Control ($560)- Supplies/Maintenance: ($1200)- Acct/Legal: ($1500)TOTAL EXPENSES = ($58,070)Net Operating Income = $91,930---Based on my limited understanding of the local CAP rates for similar properties in Philadelphia, PA 19106 it looks like 5-6% is a realistic number. 

My secret method is turn the door knob.

I replaced the vanity, I removed the tiled walls but left it around the tub, which remained, added sheetrock, a nice border tile, new vanity, kept the toilet and had a clean nice bath for… $516.97.

Otherwise, make sure the property is in a good location and you spend some money/time to really clean it up initially and find good tenants, being 1 hr away isn't too bad. 

, but all the drugs and steroids in the world do not make you good at the snatch and clean and jerk. 

I have ask my landlord to replace my carpet since it's been over 10 years since I moved in she has agreed to replace the carpet on several occasions  however stated that  the property owner needs to come and inspect the carpet to make sure that  it is not  above and beyond normal wear and tear it is my understanding that in California the carpet should be replaced after 10 years  it is has bugs in it  there is no padding left  it is filthy grungy and it's already been cleaned twice and no  difference  because I am diabetic if I can have it replace laminate flooring that are being installed and all the  recently vacated units  which are being renovated I asked her on several occasions if I can have laminate floor instead of carpet and she stated that they cannot install laminate flooring in upstairs units due to the noise however I just discovered that the unit adjacent to mine on the upstairs floor  just  was renovated and they installed laminate flooring as this discrimination can I demand  this type of flooring  and ask  her about the new laminate flooring on the second floor policy and why I am unable to  have the same  can I demand that type of flooring or do I have to have carpet  I also feel she is being discriminating against me for no reason  she has been short when I ask for repairs  I asked to move to the downstairs unit and she gave me a whole rant about how she doesn't think that the property owners would allow me to move down there based on my rent being late once or twice  and a bunch of other reasons which I don't think it's her business  to point these things out to me or rather she should just give me the application or instructions on how to go about it and let the property owners make that decision  do I have any basis for discrimination  complaint against her with the fair housing authorities  California

What method would you use to tap the equity?

Thats why I am suggesting the safe proven method which it appears that you have a good handle on and congrats on your success.

Street parking only (we had exceptions when unloading lots of stuff from their car of course).You want them to be clear on what they must keep clean.