Most of my experience is running subsidized apartment property managment, so here are a few thoughts on that aspect:
The value of the free apartment and utilities are more than half of the manager's compensation. So, if the manager moved off the property, he/she/they would be taking a 50-60% pay cut, rendering the job not worthwhile. They would also be fired, as the agreement is to live on site.
Each complex has a budget which outlines the funds available for manager pay. While shifty shifting can be done sometimes, there is not a lot of wiggle room. If the budget contains $500 a month for the office, and $700 a month for the grounds, then to increase salary, the shift shifting must come into play. Most managing agents are not willing to shifty shift the budgets. However it is done at times.
Usually, it is better for the grounds man to quit, and then contract the grounds out from the PMC. This does negate the concept of husband/wife team though.
When you add up "everything" such as the free apt, utilities, office pay, grounds pay, and add in the $7.50 an hour maintenance jobs, it is possible to earn around $2,500 a month for the "team". This is the idea of the husband/wife team, and what makes such a thing barely worth it, but in these hard times many still look for these jobs.
I know this thread (and others) are probably based around market rate properties, even upscale ones. I have to laugh when I hear about "leasing bonuses". Here, no leasing, your fired! So your bonus for recruiting a newby is you get to keep your job. It is indeed hard to sell this program for a pair of new managers, I assure you!!! It is all about a warm body in each stall! And no late rents, no trouble and no high cost repairs, and no looking for the manager and can't find them! Catch 22? Naturally!!
Anyone familiar with subsidized properties will be on the same page when they read this.