For example, I have a cousin (and her family) who is very dependable who lives in the Richmond/Sugar Land, TX area.

We both make a very decent income but we don't see any of it because we have had a high consumption lifestyle for far too long.It's good that you found that discipline and took control over your situation to realize your goals.

Sugar Grit Real Estate Radiant Grit Real Estate Looking forward to learning, commenting, laughing out loud, and meeting some of you in person!

But way too many people "sugar" coat the business and the true facts about it.  

If all else fails you pretty much have to go find the pieces of the puzzle yourself: track down utility consumption figures from each provider, confirm property tax amounts with the municipality, and try and estimate what you expect you'll need for R&M and CapEx - this can be tough if you don't have a lot of experience but it's still a necessary exercise even if the seller does have solid financials to share.

There are companies out there who will install sub-meters, bill and collect from tenants, take a cut and provide you with net (and of course, you pay the municipal bill).Reducing consumption is of course a no-brainer.  

Now, pretty please, with sugar on it, go talk to your attorney about these aspects of contract law and if you can, be nice and try to do your best when you deal with others, pretty please. :)Rant for the day!

I'm in Atlanta, (Suwanee/ Lawrenceville/ Sugar Hill/ Norcross areas to be specific) and was curious how one would go about really digging into property values and market trends.  

Try Sheila Bell at Keller Williams in Sugar Land. 

Inside loop 610 on the west side of i45.Check out the heights, or bellaire, meadows place, sugar land.