Happy to talk through this in more detail and good luck with the out of state investing!

I also have a background in software, having founded and sold the majority of my software company in 2014.

Based off the general home inspection report you'll be able to see if you need to get an electrician etc out there. 

I just include the utilities in the rent.

I'm looking at all kinds of properties, all over the city.

Unless you have a clause in the purchase of the entity that clearly makes you responsible for the entity from the day that you buy it(Indemnification) I wouldn't bother with the LLC.Good luck man. all the best!

Quote from @Josh Otero: Hi BP community, I know you've got some crazy tenant stories and I want to hear it.I'll go first:1) I was managing a 5 story apartment building and a dog fell off the 4th floor balcony because of the owner not paying attention.

A little over 15 years ago, in the late spring of 2009, I was a brand spanking new real estate agent coming off of a miserably failed real estate investment venture.

However, have you ever gone downtown to the steps near the capital and witnessed a Trustee sale? 

We negotiated $10,000 off the finder's fee.