I then spent a majority of my free time learning as much as I could on the different styles and strategies that have been utilized in the past, reading everything from Lynch’s One Up on Wall Street to Graham’s Security Analysis, to learning how to build out financial models in excel.

But, if you pay utilities, it might make sense to add a bit for the extra water / electricity.Personally, I would use this as an opportunity to tear up that 3 year lease. 

As for capital, I will be utilizing my HELOC for initial fund on first deal.

After all PITI, utility, and services (lawncare and cleaning) costs I have $7,225.I set aside 25% of this for my maintenance fund.The remainder funds my lifestyle, wife has a Tesla, and quarterly vacations as well as business growth.In 2023 I am tracking to build 4 duplex units designed as room rentals funded in part from a recent land sale.

I have an incentive of $25,000 for going with the builder-specific lender, and I'm trying to figure out the best way to utilize it.

This is a very common agreement, in your space your problem and they also should have insurance that if its extensive insurance would cover it. 

In addition to above, consider utility entrances.

One of the easier ways to do this would be to 1031 exchange into a DST where the sponsor owns a REIT and utilizes the 721 as part of their strategy.

From the homes we manage here in Central Florida any benefit of your utility bill is negated by the financing of the panels.

I got lucky that the tenant wanted a house in my neighborhood to keep kids close to their schoolsHouse was listed for 1750, they offered 2250 but I declined , so they offered $3k, ended up renting the house for $3250 ($250 pet rent) per month, for 3 month, open to extension if needed.I met the tenant and did the background check on them, I felt comfortable renting to them THD takes time with approving the property, but they were quick to approve the lease, and they sent me the checks the next day after lease signingMy house is not furnished, and they were ok with that , they actually work with a company that provides furniture for the tenant, and they coordinate the delivery and setup of furniture on the lease start dateOverall I like the experience working with them , but hey today is day #1 (out of a possible 3 months), so I will update this post if anything wrong happens or if I notice any red flags