If I had an empty unit today, I think it would rent for at least $200/month more than a month ago.  

Been using for about 4 months and so far we like it

Hell, i've seen attorneys volley contracts back and fourth with each other for months on end arguing things like the meaning of the word "the" in "the contract".....All while racking up those $500/hour billable hours of course.Case and point, I won't change your outlook on the industry.

It looks like water is not being paid and I can only see a small fee every month (that is over due) meaning the meter is likely disconnected.

So, I would expect to lose 3 months rent maybe more.

Do that for six months before you think about buying so you meet other people who are doing what you want to do.

Ignore the $1,250 per month because that's your cost of housing, if you didn't pay that on the home you'd have paid that in rent so that's a non factor. 

And because there are so many, demand is ultra low, except in the busiest of months.  

I have Regrid ( I use it mainly for land), its 10 bucks a month and they have vacant property information they pull from the USPA.

It happened to coincide with Hurrican Harvey and we flooded during the rehab. 212 extended the HM loan without any extra fees for 4 months until December 31 2017.