Utilities are OFTEN overlooked so reach out to power, telecom, gas (or go all electric), water, and sewer to make sure you understand what it would take to get separately metered services from the primary house.

After 5 months we had a bad water leak under the house.

Plus, your proactive steps, like cold-calling and Driving For Dollars, show your commitment and enthusiasm!

Winter's are cold and summers are hot in northern Cali. 

Fill water tub with water a couple minutes( good time to tighten down toilet bolts and caps) caulk tub five minutes.

Just starting out and testing waters for BRRR in Chicagoland area.Any advice or suggestions regarding this?

It's wise to stick your toe in the water first and fail fast in a small way if you're going to fail, right Vanessa?

I am cold calling owners and they are just laughing at me with my offers at 8% caps. 

Marcos here, owner of a cold calling agency with the best callers and VAs English/Spanish speakers from south america, we can help you with that!  

They'd also probably be more aware of how much water, gas, or electric they are using when they have to pay the bill after each cycle.