A few things this has taught me Keeping a property well maintained is definitely enough to stop a tenant (me) from moving Paying for those extra finishing touches seems to not only command higher rents, but also get a higher quality of applicants (and I hope tenants) I very tightly scheduled individual showings.

I think the 4/2 had a 24K BTU (it was ~5 years ago) and required an extra drop from the utility company and a new panel. 

It was likely built without permits.

While using the listing agent gives them an extra incentive to close the deal, they never owe any allegiance to you in any way, shape, or form.

heating gas $3500 / electric $272 / association $4500 / permit $500 !!

Zoning, health dept. permits, land restrictions, building permits to meet code (garages aren't the same as dwellings), etc.

Of course you don’t have to spend a fortune to do this – just a couple of extras can help to position your property as ideal for that target market.4.

The 'extra'  equity and loan amount will hurt your cash flow for that property but what if that' extra' was $10k that you were able to use your buy a note that returns 13% annually.

If feels like slimy way to pull an extra 10% out of the owner. 

In the past week I've looked at 10 MLS properties.5 of those had illegal additions.I'm not talking about an extra little balcony either.