Utilities are OFTEN overlooked so reach out to power, telecom, gas (or go all electric), water, and sewer to make sure you understand what it would take to get separately metered services from the primary house.

I underestimated utilities in my early years, so I ensure those are properly captured (electricity, gas, water and trash).

Think on it, how much does $250mnth buy for a furnace, a/c, water heater, carpets, really any reno at all?

Village to Village Network (https://www.vtvnetwork.org/) and Men’s Sheds Association (https://usmenssheds.org/) are successful models of people building community to improve the aging experience.So drawing on Dr Thomas and Nancy’s work and incorporating cohousing and pocket neighborhood elements into my communities, I have chosen to use shipping container homes in areas along the Texas coast where storms frequently cause wind and water damage.

The best defense against rats entering your property is to seal off all entry points (holes, cracks in walls), remove food sources (dirty dishes, food left in trash cans), and water sources (like leaks). 

I am a bit concerned about water long term in AZ and NV. 

I know it can feel like uncharted waters at first.

The current owner is letting me take over the property as a tenant as long as I pay the water bill and the mortgage payment on it and whenever I decide I can purchase property for the balance of the mortgage  they are in no hurry for me to purchase the home as long as the mortgage is paid. 

- Securing the property- Removing the waterIf your furnace was stolen, you may need to get propane heaters to facilitate water removal.

The other thing could be tracking what you have had come up on the last 5-10 projects after closing, i.e. the water heater was at the end of life when we bought the last 6 out of the last 10 properties.