Do they have the same presence/absence of other amenities like decks, patios, fireplaces, pools, etc.?

Ours had a permit but we still had some issues with getting past the code due to new restrictions on fire places and string lights (nothing crazy).Side note, I stayed at an Airbnb in dripping springs this weekend.

(There are also 2 fireplaces, which would use the propane, but they are not functional). 

Sometimes the old stoves or fireplaces had asbestos sheets around them.

she also spilled candle wax on the limestone fireplace.  

Craigslist yields $625 for a comparable unit in a stand alone duplex up to $775 for one with a fireplace and basement.

All the apartments had gas fireplaces. 

Roller lint on walls, paint on recepticals, painted dirt, bad spackle job painted hard, paint on fireplace stone, and this in reo homes painted by owners...remove one degree of care for tenants (not all, but you never know which).

My spouse feels that I am leaning too heavily toward the older home and being distracted by vaulted ceilings and double sided fireplaces and vinyl fenced yard and upgraded kitchen furnishings where she is looking primarily at new with no undetected wear and having a full home warranty. 

But I'm very careful to check the recalls on Ikea's dressers -- there have been incidents where children have been injured or died when a dresser they were climbing fell on them.Other reasons that I have not rented to prospective tenants with children is due to the hazards of a fireplace (woodburning -- obvious hazards;  gas fireplace -- can be burned if touching the hot glass; electric fireplace -- with the one in my personal residence, you need to be very careful when removing the glass, as it shatters very easily.)