First time rental purchase

[Derek McGillicuddy]

Im looking for some guidance on rental properties. 

1.I am trying to figure out how much I need to profit to make monthly. Is it ok to make $100, $200? How much do I need to profit on top of mortgage and all bills to make it worthwhile.

2.What do you require tenants to be responsible.I am in the northeast and its cold do you require them to pay for heat, hot water, electricity, water, sewer etc. I know this can be considered on a case by case basis. My biggest concern is heat in the winter time. Do you include heat and just raise the rent or ask the tenant to be responsible?

3. How does taxes impact the rental business? What can I write off, how do you show losses?