In my leases tenants are responsible to pay for their own utilities and change air filters.

I bought a business where the prior owner was sued for $3 million causing injuries to some customers.

After expenses and utilities you net $1,000 profit but it cost you $15,000 to furnish the house and you only have a 1 or 2 year lease. 

I have also considered the long-distance option, but my first goal is to utilize my VA loan, which means I have to live within the multifamily property until I have met certain criteria to move on.

Issues like contractor delays, supply shortages, or unforeseen repairs can extend your timeline, which adds to your holding costs (mortgage, utilities, etc.).Tip: Factor in extra time for delays and have a backup plan to stay on track.Over-Renovating: Many new investors fall into the trap of over-improving a property, especially when they try to bring in their own taste.

Example for multifamily- My 4plex had a tenant in one unit paying $24000 annually of which I achieved $14,000 annually NOI after taxes, insurance, yard work, common area utilities.

Make sure to factor in 5-10% vacancy, taxes, insurance, mortgage, repairs & maintenance, lawn care, pest control, management fees, utility costs (goes in your name when vacant), turnover costs, and capex reserves. 

Gas + convenience store, where the gas sales are mainly a tool to draw customers into the C-store. 

I'll refi in 12 months utilizing the built in equity plus what I earn this year to avoid a huge down payment. 

As a purchaser, I really like when a property already has utilities that are split but I wouldn't pay a 20K premium to do it.