(It is due to a tree that the city grew and will need to be cut down immediately to remediate the problem). (12k for the replacement of pipes and ~5 kfor tree) 

Despite the dip in occupancy, rates remained stable or even edged a bit higher compared to last year.

Always amazes me when a design professional (Architect/Engineer) is required or needed on a project, out of all the costs, that is the one that is needed to be cut or drastically lessened.

Again as @Michael Plaks mentioned this is not a political forum, there is a chance if the Republicans win there could be a tax cuts and jobs act 2.

We set up our infrastructure and are very organize and thorough, and through the year we made some significant progress and went on a learning phase to get better each day and closer to our first deal.As foreign investors we have to rely on hard money which gives a less edge, and face uncertainty with contractors not knowing real pricing and such.We are constantly on the look out for new investment opportunities.The problems we are facing right now is not knowing good contractors and the high competition on the MLS.We just started learning more about off market properties and sending direct mail.We would like to hear from your experience what should our next step be as newbie investors, and if there are some foreign investors here with tips.Thank you so much guys, best of luck to all! 

And what I find out is there is no context to them folks dont take the time to explain what they want.. also on the form i get from BP it cuts off the e mail address if its a long one so I cant even e mail them back..

I'd suggest you sit down and go through your monthly expenses and see where you are spending your money and if anything can be cut. 

I guarantee the month after the meters come on, the person responsible will fix their leaky toilet or cut back on consumption.

.- Pricing Upswing: The Median Sales Price edged up 3.3 percent to $516,555.

You can be good enough at REI that people will give you their money to invest with them giving you a cut of the profits, or wholesaling where you find a buyer to assume your contract before closing.