On properties in that price range (which are often a bit older), one big-ticket item can pop up fast—think an HVAC unit failing in the middle of August or a roof issue after a big hail storm.Your plan to aggressively pay down and drop PMI is smart.

I imagine most of it is time and labor as the kitschy items cant be that expensive. 

You can send a polite written notice (email is fine) reminding them that the common areas are shared and not for private use or personal items.

If any major systems (roofs, plumbing, HVAC) are due, you may want to pad that line item slightly. 

A couple items to add:1.

Big ticket items for deeper review by GC: roof, windows, AC, foundation, plumbing, electrical and more..2.

Quote from @Case Mccarthy: I would say that you can verify these landscape items, and other exterior repairs by getting the invoice from the PM, getting a cleared check or payment and also yearly getting photos of the place by the property manager.  

Whatever renovations or upgrades you need to get there are likely going to be good investments. then spend about an hour going through every single expense on your bank statement and see where you can save money on any of those line items. 

BRRRR can work on Detroit Land Bank/Land Trust houses, but only if you treat them like heavy rehabs with strict compliance: read every program stipulation, confirm deed restrictions and rehab timelines, and underwrite all‑in cost with big‑ticket items first (roof, sewer, foundation, electrical, HVAC) plus contingencies and holding time; many lenders won’t finance until work is complete, so plan cash, private, or bridge funds and expect permit oversight and inspections.

Good practice is to provide an itemized list within the required timeline, even if you only have estimates, just make sure they’re reasonable and based on market rates or handyman quotes.