Paid $5000 in heat last year in one house that well insulated.

He reported about $5000 for HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and AC); Doesn't San Antonio get above 100 degrees? 

For example, things like a source of heat (furnace) in the wintertime, a working water heater, working plumbing/electrical systems, etc.

House also doesn't have operable A/C...so I don't see any extra motivation to get this done "in the near future" with sweltering AZ heat. 

@Phelim Lennon I financed the property 20% down conventional by spending money getting the heat/water to run to meet guidelines before actually purchasing the property.

For me, living here wins hands down over the heat and humidity of Atlanta.

Property taxes also vary greatly between locations.If you can keep your operating costs <50% (around here <60-65% on a multi-unit where you would be paying the heating and cooling), then your mortgage needs to fit into the remaining 35 - 50% and still leave you enough to put in your jeans at the end of the day.

Keep in mind, the AC/Heating system will have the same smoker's residue as the interior of the unit. 

Has saved many times when tenants leave the air conditioner after they leave and have used it when vacant in the winters to control heat during times when I need to ensure the pipes don't freeze.

Price $430kGOI: $52,200Taxes + Insurance: $14,600Vacancies / Gas Heat / Maintenance (estimate): $8,250On-site property manager landscapes and repairs for discounted rent.