You don't budget for any utilities.

@Alex Ng S8 cures the rent collection problem of dealing with Class C & D tenants, but not ALL problems.Many S8 tenants still have to pay a portion of their rent + utilities - yet don't.Damages: most people now know how to use Zoom.

My concern is how to handle utility bills between two units without a disagreement.

Also, our proximity to D.C. is causing double-digit appreciation, and still a very competitive market. 

Sounds like you were actually getting a deal before at $60/year but it wasn't digital..

I second a good side hustle and have spent some money utilizing a real estate photographer which is one way to get going and making good money with only about $700 worth of equipment.

My plan is to utilize the 5% down payment available through conventional loans.I would essentially mega-commute for the first year or two, working about 10-day stretches and then having equal time off, using my PTO strategically to gain more time off.

Landlord pays for utilities.

You can also sometimes call utility companies and get relevant information.

(We're both digital nomads, so we get to live and work from anywhere!)