I understand of course, that they are poised to change and property tax assessment is a whole ordeal there, but ideally would like to have good estimates before a purchase, given that they are such a major expense. 

I was able to learn all the steps of purchasing a commercial multi unit property, how the value is assessed, how banks assess the value, etc.

If you are a brand new investor, it may be better to hold off especially when so many additional factors are at play now, not just a simple property that you're assessing. 

If you are unfamiliar with a certain city or neighborhood, look up the crime rate on Trulia and Google the city/neighborhood name to gather more information that will help you assess whether the property is located in a decent area or in a crime zone.

They tend to have lower assessments and often already have a lot of units being used as rentals.  

How often do they assess?

@Brittany Wilkerson, Assessed owner not the same as true owner at the time of the auction, usually because of death, sale or foreclosure.

It should address who is responsible for mowing and landscaping.In our area any assessments by the city for a junky yard are the responsibility of the owner to pay, so you could wait it out for awhile.I would never expect the tenants to do lawncare for a duplex.Start with a conversation.

I'd assess them a month penalty, and just let them go.

Just make sure you stay north of Central Ave.From an appreciation perspective, I just got the property tax statement for 2020 and the house's assessment is now up 38% in the last 2 years alone.