The hilly terrain is a main reason for this and you can't really see that on a map so knowing the areas is key.We have old housing stock as well so big things like plumbing and electrical can vary cost wise if they have or haven't been updated.

Even if your not renting a furnished house you still need to protect your washer/dryer, refrigerator, stove, chandeliers, etc. 

It is important to find something that was properly maintained, with modern plumbing, electrical and roofing. 

I was an electrician for over 20 years with my last electrical job being shop foreman for a custom electrical control panel shop and UL 508 specialist.

My big bold move was to rent them at $150 month with tenants paying for heat and electric. 

For example, it's difficult to appease a situation if 1 tenant claims they're using less electric/gas than another. 

Additionally, we addressed plumbing and electrical issues to make the property fully rental-compliant.

Helps with your debt to income, better opportunities at cash flow, and typically requires less down to purchase.In regards to challenges, I usually build in an extra 10-15% to deal with things that I can't see behind the walls, including dry rot, electrical or plumbing issues, etc.

Job included inside work of leveling floors, installing flooring, paint walls, kitchen cabinets, etc in both units, as well as lay a new driveway, fence the back yard, provide attic fans, and install electric to the crawlspace to add lights and a sump pump.

My hunch is that's $85K for the garage itself before plans, permits, engineering, sewer line, electrical panel, etc.