In my first stint in real estate, I thought reinvesting in the business was keeping the marketing engine running.

The landlord could offer to mow the lawn and shovel the walk, while making the tenant responsible for repairing or replacing the washing machine.Landlords and tenants need to confirm what is required within their written agreement.

for example when changing cabinets, addressing trim, door pulls. hot water tank replacement: place a pan under it.  

Part of the reason I threw myself into work and used to work 60-80 hours per week until I was let go last year when a new Upper Management came on board and started replacing managers with personnel from his previous employer.

Hard work cannot be replaced with laws, policies and handouts.

I'm originally from Western PA as well (Slippery Rock) and now reside in Atlanta.Here is how I am looking at it along with the assumptions I am making:1) I think the growth prospects are better in the Atlanta market than Pittsburgh from a pure demographics standpoint.2) I estimate your return on equity at 7.2% currently3) Over the long haul appreciation is going to take you further when it comes to net worth than cashflow will4) Doubling of the roofs is doubling the expensesThings to consider:1) What is the year built of your Atlanta property vs. what you could replace it with in PGH?

As noted, it keeps capital available to replace the HVAC, when it goes out in your first month of ownership, or the roof starts leaking and you are chasing an unknown source to the tune of thousands of dollars.  

So like if I replace the windows, or renovate a bathroom I write that off but if I buy new blinds for my half I do not write it off.

The bill was just under $1,100 and it covered replacing the drain pan and installing the washing machine.

Probably requires surveyor, and engineer.