Not sure what town you're talking about Roger but it's definitely probably going to lower your number of complaints during the really warm and cold months, which then could lead the tenants staying there longer. 

Offer a cold drink on the hot days, hot drink on the cold days, help keep the property clean, even help shovel snow from steps.

They are all vacant, except for that one with a squatter dude, and I don't know which unit he's in but he had cable and lights and water.

You will need engineers to do drainage studies.It will cost you at least $25,000 for the subdivisionYou will have additional costs during development because you will likely lose your water tap and your wastewater connection on at least one of the lots (I'm assuming that the existing connections will no longer fall within the guidelines of the land development code)..The city will tell you that this takes 6 months.

Please advice.Price $250,0002 FamilyRents: $1,200 per unit2 – 2 beds unitsBrickAge of roof unknownTaxes: 5,300Age of the property: 72Garage and DrivewayNothing to do but to move in (unless you want to update the kitchen)Very well taken care ofUsed to be oil tank but now removed and converted to Gas1 meter for both units – water and gas (the seller splits the bill between two tenants)1 unit if rented at $1,2001 unit is vacantThe roof is still good but in the next 5 years might need some work.Thank you

It's on a river, on a snowmobile trail, close to skiing, and whitewater & flat water kayaking.Also had a chat with an acquaintance/friend that is interested in being a private lender for our long term rentals.   

I have a question about cold calling.

RMs are usually dead in the water right there.  95% payoff amount plus court costs to probate an upside down property.  

Utilities not onInoperable heat supplyMissing or insufficient weather-strippingLoose or torn carpetMissing or cracked electrical outlet cover platesCracked or peeling paint on wallsCracked or broken window panesMissing refrigerator kick platesEvidence of roof leaks/pipe leaksDirty stoves, ovens or walls and unkempt perimeter surrounding houseInsufficient bath ventilation and inoperable smoke detectorsLeaking faucets or plumbingNo temperature/pressure relief on water heatersYou screen your own tenants, then you submit the paperwork to have a tenant approved by the Housing Authority.  

I mandate this for my tenants.Their policy will cover things they cause: fire from stove error, water damage from leaving tub on, suit because their drunk friend fell and broke his head on the toilet, etc.