Hi Jules,

The big question here is why did you buy a rental property? I am going to assume to generate an income source for you. Based upon that assumption, you renting it out vs. using it as your primary residence, a dishwasher is a necessity to a potential quality renter.

The cost of a dishwasher is very cost effective when extrapolated over the life of the appliance. Attempting to be frugal with a dishwasher will end up costing much more money in time and repair. Just to have a repairman of quality to come out and look at the appliance will be approximately $80 + an hourly parts and labor expense.

Lowe's or Home Depot have great sales on dishwashers making it very economical to purchase to your advantage. Purchasing a new dishwasher, and they can arrange for the delivery and installation, you may qualify for the Energy Star incentives, store 10% discount, up to 36 months interest free using their credit card, not to mention the tax write off for the property improvement on the rental home. I am guessing here but you would get away with a total investment of under $500 out of pocket before incentives.

Let's not forget as a property owner you will now have peace of mind not getting late night or weekend calls for the repair or service of the frugally purchased dishwasher. Am I making sense here? I've learned this lesson the hard way..................a couple of times.

Just my insight on this question.