Electricity becomes an issue, as the efficiency tenant will just keep the air arctic b/c the main unit is paying the bill.

Tenants had taped up the windows at the edges to prevent air getting out...We don't think these properties are deals for us: 2804 Cleburne St, Houston TX.I think we'd like a bit of a nicer set up and I think there are less expensive properties to rehab into a better deal.Anyone have more feedback?

@Marc @Marc FaulknerundefinedI think he's in your neck of the woods Dave.Yes, regulators control the ozone layer too, pretty soon air will cost you, so let's not waste it!

Alot of times, if you are outside of an incorporated city, zoning pressures are less.Hooking up to electric (separate meters) as well as waste water (city or septic) and figuring out separate or one meter for water (sep bill or inclusive) is another issue as well as land features and leveling pads.Another aspect is maintenance.

If you are wondering what pets do to the central AC units, here is something a little more than just speculation.I have a triplex, where each unit has the same exact central AC handlers and condensers and same age.December 2014, I had an air conditioning company cleaned all three evaporator coils - pulled the coils out and acid wash them.Here is a picture of what the coil looked like immediately after the cleaning.I personally change the filter in all three units once a month.Now, only eight months later, units 1 & 2's coils look about the same with just a little more dust.Unit 3's coil look like this.Same size apartment, same central AC units, same age, all cleaned at the same time, had filter changed by me every month at the same time.The only difference is unit 3 has two dogs, one 40 pounds and one 50 pounds.I am not against pets, but thought I would share this.

There would be a big difference in housing preferences between 40-year old engineers with kids in junior high who are moving from out of state (to Pittsford or Fairport, probably) vs. hipsters coming right out of their undergrad who know the city neighborhoods better and aren't afraid to move to an up-and-coming area.Or maybe they'll all move to Park Ave, putting even more pressure on the market there and driving more people to the South Wedge, Upper Monroe, and Swillburg.

I am an Air Force guy transitioning to the civilian life soon and really see a lot of potential in REI.

And of course, that comes without the pressure sales tactics, which are something that has stained our industry to one degree or another unfortunately. 

It subtly lets them know you are keeping an eye out on the property and what they are responsible for fixing before leaving.If the unit has a forced air HVAC system, schedule filter replacements every three months.

With old forced-air systems, you run into asbestos tape, runs coming off the trunk that aren't sized or balanced for the house.