In our area of SWFL (Naples), the 2 biggest determinants are roof age/type and flood zone.  

Plumbing, electrical, hvac, roofing, turnover, screening tenants, showing the apartments, collecting rent, etc. there are very few times when a contractor is called to fix something.

He says the house "Needs minimal work, brand new roof, needs new AC, electrical needs in the basement."

One of the duplexes needed a new roof.

This is one of the best benefits of being able to purchase distressed debt at a steep discount. 

Not important but I've got a new Roof too!

I am hoping on our next deal they will come down on interest a bit.Ok, so here's what the house looked like before we bought it:So far, we have painted the exterior, all new vinyl windows, new exterior doors, new garage door and opener, installing French drains and a sump pump due to there being a bad ground water issue in the crawl space last spring, new roof, opened up the kitchen, put in a french door, replaced all the wood flooring, tiled in bathrooms, framed in laundry and mechanical, shelves in the pantry, all new interior paint, heated flooring in master bath, can lighting.

Luckily fees are only about 150 a month. 500 a month starts to get steep.

Also, if the houses are "not in great shape", then you are likely in for expensive repairs and replacements (roof, flooring, etc. referred to as CAPEX).I would advise you do some searching on BP and read up on Section 8 tenants.

Several houses have needed new roofs, heating systems, entire replumb and or rewiring.