However, if I earn too much “earned income,” I risk losing these essential benefits.That’s why I’m exploring real estate and the stock market, as these generate “unearned income” and allow me to maintain my benefits while building financial security.

Here’s what I do with my rentals:I either have tenants split the utility bills or include a clause in the lease that states if the gas or water bill exceeds a specific amount ($X), the tenant will be responsible for the overage, provided there are no leaks or other infrastructure issues contributing to the high usage.To determine this $X amount:Water: I take the highest water bill I’ve had over the past year (excluding periods where leaks occurred) and add about $15 to account for small fluctuations or potential increases.Gas: For gas, I calculate the median bill during the winter (when usage is highest) and the median bill in the summer (when usage is typically lowest).

What are the average utility costs, and who typically pays them (tenant/owner)?

It's essentially the brrrr strategy but you can use hard money on the front end to get into the deal.

You are not far away but with the down payment and budget, that would put you in some rougher areas which typically have higher turn over or more up front capx.

Playing for cash flow still, but also a little for appreciation and the single families typically dont require as much hands on work on a weekly basis (mowing grass, shoveling snow, etc.)Everybodys niche will be a little different.  

@Mike TikhRecommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a Class A property in Class D area, what quality of tenant will you get?

However it is typical to allow the lawyer representing the lienholder (lender) to make an unofficial bid referred to as the "upset price".

The smart play would be to build a two story wood frame structure on top of piers or concrete block in most cases. 35 feet is a pretty typical height limit in most neighborhoods, so depending on elevation you SHOULD be able to build two stories on top of the elevated foundation.

How is this typically handled?