You've probably heard of big Landlords losing property, but only because they were flagrantly violating Fair Housing, running a slum, or otherwise violating the law in an egregious manner.

Hello, My wife and I are new to Bigger Pockets and are fairly novice real estate investors in Northern Maryland.

It is a fairly signinificant set up fee and monthly charge. 

I have stayed fairly local.

Your assessment is fair for sure.   

Also your permitting process, type or land, grade of land, if underpinning is required will all play a factor into your cost. 

Play dumb, ask questions, and try to gain as much info as possible before choosing a contractor. 

@Eric E.UBIT only comes into play in an IRA on leveraged real estate and running an active business.

I do a lot of searching through the MLS and county records, and come across these fairly often, but am curious as to who/what they are.

It's unclear on how that plays into your question about taxes.