In this case, the tenant thought paying "a little extra rent" would cover the costs.

Most people on BP either swing heavy appreciation or heavy cash-flow. 

Like "switch plate cover in bathroom is cracked"  or "sidewalk should slope at 12 degrees and it only slopes 9 degrees".   

I have that I cover pest control for the first 10 days, but obviously they can bring the bed bugs with them.

2) What methods do you use to determine a comfortable number pay the lessor per month while leaving enough  wiggle room to pay mortgage, cover for vacancies, repairs, taxes while having a good cash flow left over with the intent of saving this to use for the 20% down payment when the option is exercised.3) Would you pay for an inspection up front before the contract is signed, or wait until it's time to exercise the option?

That is in Ohio and covers my local, state, and national realtors associations dues, KW fees, MLS fees, etc.

Im currently looking for investors who will loan 10% for 4 or 5 years to cover 10% of the down payments but have yet to find anyone interested.

It was an inherited tenant that stayed a total of 23 years (23 years of heavy smoking).  

So far, I'm in the process of working out contracts for potential investments, but it seems like we will almost need to completely free up our personal credit lines to cover cost of the rehab.  

I’m an MLSLI member, which covers Queens.