You incorporated the utilities into the rent, which was then paid by the government? 

I have been in Corporate America my entire career and  recently went through a restructure where my position was eliminated. 

I also want to and am incorporating an eco friendly approach to my property.

I would like to incorporate before getting into dealing so i can officially do business as the company (marketing, selling, dealing) so the question i have is what state is good to incorporate (i am thinking of an LLC) from the viewpoints of taxation, privacy/anonymity, asset protection, annual fees?

Did you incorporate your business with an LLC?

I didn't realize my inclination to do things my way, which doesn't really work in corporate America, is EXCELLENT if you want to charge ahead of the pack.

I've always been interested in becoming financially successful - and after an undergraduate, and masters degree - I realize my best opportunity is NOT in corporate America :) I've always been a reader on finance, investing, real estate - so this is a match made in heaven.I'm going to be buying my first home in the next 12 months - so I'm hoping I can make a wise decision that could also double as an investment now, or down the road.

I've incorporated many different ways to find motivated sellers and owners of run down houses.

If anyone has any advice or anything I should incorporate in my plan please free to share.

It's always worth incorporating into your offer if you aren't worried about competitive bids for that particular property.