It also runs the risk of increased liability, a tenant getting a "god complex", inter-personal conflicts, etc.There's nothing wrong with hiring a tenant for minor landscaping or snow removal but make sure you talk to your insurance company first to verify you're covered if something happens.

I'm thinking of putting in stainless steel appliance packages as units turn over wherever the existing appliances are old enough to justify it (5 years plus); resurfacing  and restriping the parking area and assigning spots to each unit; maybe doing some minor landscaping upgrades; freshening up the laundry room; maybe adding a small "tot lot" play area for kids under 5.

You could always put landscaping fabric over it and some rocks.  

New siding, some landscaping, back decks, kitchen, bathrooms, flooring throughout, paint, trim, doors, etc.

@Samuel Garcia adding to what @Ned Carey mentioned...Utilities, Snow Removal and Landscaping are a few other costs depending on what your lease states and how your building is set up.

Landscaped What was the outcome?

Had to replace the roof and grade and landscape the backyard.

New painting, Open Wall Concept, expansion, New updated Appliances, Fence repair, Swimming pool repair etc.

I have great credit, have owned my own construction company for a few years (landscape), and am in the process of getting my builders license.

I began mowing neighbor's lawns when I was 13 years old and I still continue to operate a small landscaping business while in college with about 30 clients.