It most definitely is the morally correct thing to do to throw every penny you have, no matter if you have to bankrupt your business, to put that check in the box.

I keep spares I buy for pennies on the dollar and swap them out same day when there is a problem.

I basically eat the cleaning cost as I want my units to sparkle at showing and with a fresh coat of paint as well.

I would not have spent a penny on a lawyer until she filed a lawsuit. 

It's when you start doing a high volume that the specifics and penny savings really start to add up.

It's much better to rely on 3/4" oak tongue-and-groove flooring sealed in place with two heavy coats of oil-based polyurethane over it, or well-laid ceramic tile.

Vacant homes in this area were targeted by squatters, copper thieves, and so many other disreputable characters. 

I was told early on in my journey to avoid cesspools unless you're getting the property for pennies on the dollar, this is a clear example of why.

Depending on the condition of your unit, whether you self manage/self repair/renovate and the demand in your market, each turnover can set you back enough that it takes you years to make it back on the rent increase.So always take a close look on what turnover is going to cost you vs trying to squeeze out every last penny on the rent increase..

Ive heard so many people say cash flow is the icing on the cake or its what prevents you from losing your properties in a downturn, I agree .but unless you have tons of doors or properties producing tons of cash flow its pennies compared to what appreciation can do for you.