-Toilets that don't clog easily (I like Toto)-A single heating system with submetering or heating added into the rents can be more affordable than maintaining independent systems (be warned though that you may have to administer the bills with submeters which is definitely a time consumer)  Electric baseboard heat can require no maintenance for several years (but is typically more expensive to operate depending on energy costs). 

I’m starting to notice that working with tenants is exerting the same energy as working with buyers as well

I was planning to negotiate and my realtor wisely suggested that I bite the bullet and make a full price offer - very glad I listened and made a full price offer.

I was planning to negotiate and my realtor wisely suggested that I bite the bullet and make a full price offer - very glad I listened and made a full price offer.

Well.... if l can't find a 15% down lender....l may have to bite the bullet and do 20%. 

Thanks for anyone who replied.It sounds like I am just biting the bullet on this one and will have to pay for another appraisal fee here soon.Both the lender and real estate agent are telling me that it's worth more, but that doesn't help drop the PMI.I'll give it a year, pay for another appraisal and then get it dropped.

Hi @Rachel Hughes, here is my quick responses to your bullet points. 

If you can make the unit more energy-efficient, it will be more attractive to potential tenants. 

Find where you want to put your energy and study the forums.

Since you are not a utility, you are probably prohibited from making a profit on the sale of electrical / solar energy.