HOA fee's do not just shoot up that high unless there is trouble from a legal standpoint.

I don't see how they could, since things happen... but again, granted there is no guarantee, these companies are claiming such high averages and they have such huge portfolios and good reputations, so it makes me wonder.

A lot (not all) of new people are so eager, but this is a bad time to be eager with high rates and low inventory across the country.

Is it wise to buy some units with high cash flow and low appreciation, and others with lower cash flow but high appreciation to diversify my portfolio?  

I added a bedroom to my two bedroom suite due to high demand last year. 

What caught my eye was how timeless your question is - high prices and tight cash flow are still big challenges here.

One thing I think I would do is either hire a professional market research company and/or get a local high school or college marketing class to do market research and surveys to see if there is interest and demand. 

I have a some of high interest debt I used to start my business along with some personal debt I would like to pay off.

But 1k a month in utilities definitely seems high.

Any way around paying the very high property tax, school tax etc. in SC?