Utilities not onInoperable heat supplyMissing or insufficient weather-strippingLoose or torn carpetMissing or cracked electrical outlet cover platesCracked or peeling paint on wallsCracked or broken window panesMissing refrigerator kick platesEvidence of roof leaks/pipe leaksDirty stoves, ovens or walls and unkempt perimeter surrounding houseInsufficient bath ventilation and inoperable smoke detectorsLeaking faucets or plumbingNo temperature/pressure relief on water heatersYou screen your own tenants, then you submit the paperwork to have a tenant approved by the Housing Authority.  

I mandate this for my tenants.Their policy will cover things they cause: fire from stove error, water damage from leaving tub on, suit because their drunk friend fell and broke his head on the toilet, etc.

@char - Yes, there's a leaky roof and it caused water to get in the inside.

Not to pour water on your surveying parade, but I know a lot of civil engineers who are underemployed since subdivision development work ground to a halt several years ago.

If it is permitted then you would need to think about if you can get city water or well water, gas/electric or propane, septic tank or sewage, etc. if you are planning on putting it on an empty piece of land in a neighborhood with houses then I would consider re-sale value and the fact that the neighbors might not like you for it.

I took the position in April of this year because everyone wanted the former treasurer out for mismanagement of funds when we were slapped with an orange sticker from the City of Chicago saying that we had 10 days to pay a $25k water bill.

I would hold that appreciation in Philly is most directly tied to the speed with which one can get to Center City though, which is most efficiently accomplished by the MFL/BSL subways.

I'd scope the sewer line and confirm material of water supply.

After I asked my plumber to come to my properties and look for leaks, I came to the conclusion that my quadruplexes have huge water bills (water taxes?)

The Lease needs to be clear in its definition of what you are trying to accomplish here which is that the Tenant pays for all of the operating and maintenance expenses of the property.In addition be sure to include an understanding of who pays for major capital replacements (not just maintenance) such as replacement of the heating and air-conditioning units, water and sewer lines, electrical mains, roofs, glass, etc.