Also, build relationships with local suppliers to negotiate bulk rates, and stay hands-on during rehabs to gain valuable experience.

However, if you're talking about flooring, tile, cabinetry, electrical, plumbing, etc... that will add up quickly. 2) Did you confirm the market rents in several ways/methods?

If you are early in the project, you can often scale down other parts of the renovation to cover the cost, i.e. that terrazzo tile that would have been perfect is no longer in the budget.  

Most home warranty policies would cover leaks.As far as what is acceptable, in my market (Milwaukee) nobody bats an eye on cast iron sewer pipes or clay tile sewer lateral.

I had a property tented for termites, which broke some concrete roof tiles.  

Do you have any recommendations for a good tile person?

However Property tax's some of the lowest in the coutnry and property maintenance same thing if you buy a stucco home with a tile roof.No real major weather threats like many markets  IE hail storms wind storms etc.. can get windy but thats common.. 

If so, how long are you committed to buy gas from a particular supplier and at what rate? 

Is the house a small two story with 800 sq ft of composite shingle roofing that needs to be replaced, or a large one story with tile roofing?.  

Rehab with the help of my family - Re landscape garden, painted inside, re grouted bathroom tiling etc.