Property taxes are minimal, $1313 last year.

Properties are in Phoenix and I understand AC and electricity are essential but I do not know if I'm going above and beyond or delivering minimal services tenants should be entitled to.Welcome your thoughts. 

I am not keen on getting involved in any sort of litigation even where a potential of challenge to a legal action is minimal. 

How did you expert fix and flippers learn about how to be good handymen who can handle repairs on your own or perhaps with minimal to modest help?

I enthusiastically allow pets - I do charge a refundable pet deposit and minimal pet rent.  

If you can get them out soon enough and the renos are minimal, you may be able to rent it quickly.

That will strongly affect what you can realistically do when getting started.Whatever the amount, the best way to get started with a minimal out-of-pocket expense would be to house hack like others have mentioned.

Before making any decision I'm researching what are my options for minimize the tax implications.

However, one thing is clear: many people in the hot zones are moving either to other states, or to the suburbs where it’s less crowded and exposure is minimized.

This eliminates having to share an elevator with 300-500 tenants, minimizing their exposure.This impacts the properties with reduced rent collections, increased vacancies, and often requires property managers to offer different types of rent concessions and move-in specials in order to attract or retain tenants.