Regular bulbs won't be replaced when they burn out or worse, out of five bulbs at least one will be broken off at the base (which you'll find at move out). 

One thing in mind is, I like the IRS' stand on the per mile which is $.535/mi as a "regular" maintenance expense, of course, insurance and major breakdowns not included.

I love working with people like you and I - regular homeowners, first time homebuyers, investors, etc.

I live in the US and purchase properties in Canada regularly. 

@Rogers Smith, I use the plain white vinyl regular blinds from Lowes on most of my units.

Typically for SFR dwelling, most valuation are done with regular appraisal using most recent sales comps.  

Like anything, it would take a while to build your pipeline, but once it was built and the fees started coming in regularly, life would be good.  

I could add...Probably the best thing you can do is make sure that your PM is on top of regular maintenance/repairs for the property.

Outsourcing some tasks may help, too...I am pretty small scale by design --but lots of folks on BP own large portfolios and add rentals regularly (how many also have FT jobs in full families sort of goes to your prompt)...So they can chime in and some probably have a template for a part timer to add a few rentals every year--and keep sane!

My guess, just like my guess for regular acceleration by changing ownership, is that they just don't really care or feel like spending the time.