I know the easy answer to this is "check with your CPA" but I'm still in the process of working to establish with a real estate specific CPA who better understands the nuances of these topics.

Check out your local Salvation Army, they always seem to have a couple in decent shape for $100 or so....

thanks Sarah, i will check it out

What is the best way to present him with these numbers/data?

You can then check with the local county if the deed is in fact in that name (caution: if the property was bought recently, the county may not have caught up on the paperwork).Just be careful and NEVER give any form of cash to the seller, always send EM/downpayment to a title company that you have verified.

Now as far as unplugging toilets just call a rooter and write a check.

You do all of your own due diligence on what to offer based on the data.

Will you also write a check for $400?

The other utilities will just come on when you change them to you, but you do want to be there right away to check for gas leaks.

Its growth rate is intimidating, and my personal interpretation of the data is that the market is actually still undervalued.