We do most of the minor rehab ourselves, but the occasional HVAC or gas issue has popped up already.You need:HVAC guyPlumberGeneral handyman (fixes the roof, etc.)Initially, I used the HVAC company who I use on my primary residence, but then I had to get a quote from them on a blower motor for my HVAC air handler.

East Oakland is still pretty depressed but downtown, Lake Merritt, Rockridge, etc. have gone through the roof and West Oakland is following suit given it's proximity to SF and relatively affordable pricing compared to everything surrounding it.Hope that helps!

As far as purchase price, rent, area, rehab etcIts in the Midwest.Its in a very landlord friendly stateNew roof, updated electrical, plumbing, and HVAC4 bedrooms 2 baths New 10 mil laminate flooring both bathrooms are full tile on floors and showers, all new fixturesnew kitchen cabinets, appliances, backsplash and granitefenced in backyardarea sales for this kind of house are 135k to 145k in the past 6 months in same neighborhoodPurchase Price 129kRents would be 1,100 to 1,200 a monthProperty Tax: 690 a yearAppreciation would be minute at best as it is the Midwest no ups and no downs just steady. 

Roofs, walls, toilets, heaters, etc. are all just way too expensive to repair, and renters disrespect them. 

We subcontract concrete, roofing, and exterior painting, siding, windows if we are doing the whole house or bigger jobs.  

Increase retention (meaning up your deductible), but also look at things like putting on hail proof roofing, etc, or go uninsured and maybe increase loss control as well. 

However, over the long run after you have had to replace the roof, had some expensive repairs to other major systems, etc. then you'll probably reach an average of close to 50%.Cheers!

We would have waited, but there was a hole in the roof and living in Florida with the rains, we were afraid the roof could cave in before we closed. 

Fix soft spots in floors (3/4" osb)  Windows - caulk and plexie glass, Roof - rubber, if exterior is trashed new siding on ferring strips, and white paint interior, carpet (no pad just glue).Make sure 3 things work perfectly: electrical (may need to update), plumbing (pex lines with heat tape wrapped in pipe insulation, and furnace (don't slack on this).These tenants want to move and thins to work. 

You think leverage is through the roof in the US, you should check out Canada's dilemma!