We were able to buy low in a good neighborhood since the home was in need of some work, mainly needing cosmetic work and some deferred maintenance.

There are several things to fear money loss on a bad investment, government involvement in RE, bad tenants that cost time and money, hidden maintenance issues and/or land issues and the list can go on.Today, I don't fear money loss or tenants,  the big unknown is how much the government wants to get involved in either taxes or landlord/tenant issues.

@Rae Chris Ann Arbor is pretty expensive, so difficult to find cashflowing rentals.You may want to look in Ypsilanti - if you want to stay in your area.Otherwise, Metro Detroit offers a LOT of options.Read our copy & paste below for some helpful info:---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Recommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

The fact that you think the tenant is a pain has nothing to do with how you maintain the property, you could be creating legal and maintenance problems for yourself by not taking action. 

@Ethan Slater here's some info we hope you find useful:Recommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

When your interviewing companies I'd suggest to ask about maintenance, and even talk with leasing agent as well. 

Also, are you trying to avoid one with an ice maker--potential here for additional maintenance if any issues arise.I've had Whirlpool, Samsung, Frigidaire in properties without any issues.Make sure you're aware of what the manufacturer warranty covers things such as parts, labor, and compressor.  

We have some properties with clay lines and minor root intrusion that we just clean annually for $100 rather than replacing. 

Common fees will include a set-up fee, a leasing fee for each turnover or a lease renewal fee, marking up maintenance, retaining late fees, and more.

I think Collin is being a little tongue in cheek with the Boone's Farm comment.I work with a local, large wine store, wait for their semi-annual sales when they compound discounts and buy 2 cases of each (white & red) for the largest discount.Basically I'm setting out wine that retails for $11-12-13 that I have paid $7-8 a bottle.