I still tried to convince her that even if the place costs us $1000 or so a year that would still be cheaper than owning and maintaining a cabin while giving us a place to go on the weekends a few times a year.

For cheaper items, for example replacing a dated vanity that I could sell for $100, it's just not worth putting it on craigslist and dealing with the phone calls/idiots. 

All rents would be incl. utilities as there is only one meter.Expenses:Property taxes: $3120Utilities: $6,616 (includes all hydro, heat, furnace rental, water incl. water heater rental)Heating: gas powered hot water boiler.This is the nicest duplex I have seen in my area, and it's not currently listed on MLS which could make a cheaper deal possible if we don't use a realtor.

We primarily work around the border of Tosa to the Northeast where it's cheaper and still nice.

I also imagine the leaf removal in fall and spring adds a little to the cost.MFH are actually cheaper than SFH per unit.

If it's on a raised foundation changing it will be cheaper.

The best advice I have heard on here was learn from other people's mistakes, it's a heck of a lot cheaper that way!

A quicker, cheaper repair like installing an adhesive surround over the existing tile that would prevent the problem from getting worse until the unit is vacant.   

Benefit is that they are usually easier and cheaper to get than a conventional loan.

Realize though that if you are $50-100/mo cheaper than your competition, you'll have your pick of all the renters, and can pick the best ones.