They do this for a few reasons, they have to much work, not sure if they can do the work as good as the sub or the #1 reason is that the customer has asked for super low cost and discounting.

Most local investors are looking to buy at a deeper discount and are willing to go though a an extensive rehab, or a full BRRRR like I do for my own portfolio.

Many mid and high rises will have a free or discounted level of internet and cable tv from one provider.

See what their exclusions are.  

As an employee, I get first access to our deals and even benefited from an employee discount program, which allowed me to get an even better deal.

Say it’s 8% (family discount).  

The only rent abatement or credit that is somewhat normal is when a home sells and the park offers concessions such as a free month or months lot rent or discounted rent for a period of time for a faster lease up.

I am very new to the REI community but as a market investor, I can for sure tell you that if this scenario could be discounted, it is definitely worth the reward in the long run.

While I agree 100% that taxes, insurance and other upkeep are expensive, if I rented I'd be paying a landlord a sufficient rent to more then cover these amounts in nearly every instance, plus his mortgage principal amortization.Since, personally, I prefer a home that is nicer then most rentals and like the idea that the home is mine to do as I please, I choose to own.As a RE investor, with over a 150 paid off doors, (antithetical to you Joe, I'm aware) I know how to purchase RE at a discount.

I will check if the local theater has a quantity value discount.