Water is shut off and they are removing the electrical meter.

Tampa can work, but yes, taxes and insurance are higher and might keep cash flow tight.

In the northeast having a second heat source in the rental saved  frozen pipes when the electric was out for days.

If it's vacant and you are relying on that cash flow, it won't come for a while.Check the forums here for the events and meetups category and you should find some near you.

Quote from @Deandre Brown: When analyzing deals, a few additional factors I like to consider are whether the electric and gas utilities are charged per unit or as a single expense.

Are there separate gas, electric and water meters for each apartment?

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

How Ford’s BlueOval City Project Impacts Real Estate: A Setback and Opportunity for InvestorsFord’s massive BlueOval City project, a planned $5.6 billion electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing campus in Stanton, Tennessee, is a game-changer for the region.

The insurances like AAA are strict on the paint, roof, plumbing, electric etcThe houses are in Stockton, California.Thanks

They sold two appreciated duplexes in Dallas and we turned them into 8 units in Mesa, AZ with higher cash-flow, and much closer proximity to Southern California.I'll add to your Phoenix "pros" list:1) Landlord friendly rental rules2) Easy evictions in < 30 days3) Rents are rising faster (on a % basis) than many other metro areas4) Low property taxes (and the property taxes don't sky rocket after a purchase as they do in CA)5) Very low vacancy and extremely high tenant demand.