I work at the local community college where I started a sustainability/construction/renewable energy/energy efficiency program and teach some courses.

I have to replace the AC unit because the builder used a CHEAPO brand, but I got the seller to reduce the price by the cost of the AC Unit. 

At 100 a month increase you are talking 41 months ( a little over 3 1/2 years) to get a positive of the 100 a month back.Now increasing rents and reducing expenses will usually grow your equity and resale price.

Well here's what I figured out, using the first link as an example ($52k triplex, assuming 1 unit is vacant):-TaxesIndianapolis, marion county, 3.13% or $1627 a year, though there's a homeowner deduction that reduces it by half If I live in the house.

These 2 factors will also reduce your returns.Thanks for sharing!

Originally posted by @Josh Mitchell: Water, Heat, Gas, pool, common insurance, scavenger, landscaping, elevator, tennis court, basketball court, parking, storage, laundry, clubhouse, snow removal, exterior maitenance, security door locksSome of the items you list will reduce your costs but many just go to pay for luxury items for the tenant.  

Usually, the cost savings they see from reduced time spent on rent collection, reconciliation, and accounting well outweighs the cost of PayNearMe.

Thats seems fair as either party can simply vary the option terms e.g. reduce or increase monthly lease.

The cash flow is 1) pays for upgrades/repairs 2) builds my emergency fund 3) makes it worth my time and energy to stay in this business.I have seen too many landlords throw in the tower because its not worth it.

This will be in the Cedar Rapids, Iowa area...Rockwell Collins, Cargill, General mills, TransAmerica, Quaker, Schneider Electric, Dupont, Alliant Energy, several great companies around the area for the size of the city.