Ran into some surprises like a drive way buried under where the new driveway was going which needed to be excavated ($400)Roofing costs have nearly doubled since I was last in the construction business, I budgeted 3500, it costs me 5200.I did not recgonize that there was significant drainage problems in both the front and back yards when I bought the place. 

., Iam sorry this happened..as a newbie to auctions, could you specify, and explain (ellaborate),  how this could have been avoided, and done with no surprises at the end?

I would rather surprise to the upside than count on continued high rent growth. 

List of top 5: https://www.forbes.com/sites/samanthasharf/2018/05...Nationwide heat map of under/overvalued cities - click into the state to see individual cities: https://www.fitchratings.com/site/structuredfinanc...I'm surprised by San Antonio because I thought their growth was more in line with population expansion - I thought it was a good place for appreciation on buy & hold, but now I'm wondering if that's true.

I'm surprised no one has replied yet?

I've been finding a decent amount of properties for sale by owner on craigslist surprisingly.

I want to help, if the numbers work, but don't want to be surprised later and get burned because they owe the care facility or whatever. 

No real surprise there. 

Don't be surprised if they take the faucet with them when they leave. 

I'd be sure to let all renters know the policy regarding the utilities and how they are managed so there are no surprises when they occupy your home.