But to date, I've just set my rents at a rate that accounts for me having to pay the water bill - and informed the residents that each year I'll increase the rent based upon my expenses (including water), so keeping the bill down helps me to help them.But one problem this could cause is if increasing the rent to cover the water bill then places your rent above the market rate.

Since you're focusing on Dayton and Cincinnati, you'll find plenty of opportunities in those markets.

My market is houston text.

.): ~$35K (assuming 8%)Total Cost: ~$375K–$385KProjected Profit: $65K–$75K before taxesThat is a decent margin, but this being a two-year project, you need to be sure the market doesn't shift downward, and that you have a buffer for unexpected costs.3.

In general I have unfortunately never gotten much return on any social media marketing. 

It is a tough market in south FL but you can do it.

I have an investor friend who is a very successful wholesaler in a market, (south FL), that is crawling with wholesalers. 

We have no interest in contact data gathering, as that space has been well developed. 

IMO better options- If you don't need the money in the next 10+ years look into Annuities I'm seeing 7-9% and you don't have to participate in market downturns.

Finding deals outside of California can definitely open up new opportunities, especially given the cost of living and market dynamics in the state.When looking for properties in other states, consider focusing on areas with strong rental demand, economic growth, and population increase.