However, I think some upcoming life changes may be the right opportunity for me to dip my toes in the water in real estate investing.I live in Pflugerville, TX (25 minutes from downtown Austin) and will soon be moving to Portland, OR, for my dream job.

For example, this can be adding square footage, adding an extra unit, or adding a pool in a STR market/luxury market.  

By improvements I mean that there is power, water and sewer/septic installed and working.

that we’ve learned in our 24 years, managing almost 700 doors across the Metro Detroit area, including almost 100 S8 leases:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

Implementing water-saving initiatives is a smart way to reduce utility costs.

:)As for LTR rental terms, usually we sign a 1 year lease where tenants are expected to pay Electric and Gas if applicable, while the owner typically pays water/sewer/trash with the city. 

We bought a home built in 1900, insurance water damage coverage is 10% of the dwelling limit. 

Metron and Southern Water Management are two that we've been talking to.

Licensed with permits ~$4,000.Full replacement of all water supply lines and shutoffs from the interior water meter with PEX and an open basement.  1 kitchen 1 bath 1 laundry. 

They bought it and held it, come hell or high water.