Rich Dad, Poor Dad is probably the best book for helping people to see money, real estate and assets in general in a different light. 

Check light bulbs and things like that.

Repainting all the buildings and re doing some exterior lighting along with a code change issues that we were just notified of. 

The ratio thing doesn’t really work here but you can look into submetering the meter that is supplying the common area.Just a random thought, I’m not sure of your specific situation but say your common area has two lights both of which are fed from the unit 1 breaker box (2 dIfferent circuits).

@Dmitriy Fomichenko and @ brian Eastman may shed some light for you with more information.

That is a major flashing light to attract a suite.

If you're going with dark and stainless appliances you may want to look at something like a light charcoal grey.I wouldn't paint the counter tops either.

I place a hot plate there for the residents do some light cooking.  

Craig Home Improvement (haven’t worked with him personally but I hear good things from my colleagues) Phillip Miller (Worked with him he was great and professional)Dallas Reeves Home improvement All do light construction and cosmetic I don’t know how extensive you need but they should be able to get the job done.

Willamette valley that have margin light to medium fixers have tons of competition.