Here’s what I do with my rentals:I either have tenants split the utility bills or include a clause in the lease that states if the gas or water bill exceeds a specific amount ($X), the tenant will be responsible for the overage, provided there are no leaks or other infrastructure issues contributing to the high usage.To determine this $X amount:Water: I take the highest water bill I’ve had over the past year (excluding periods where leaks occurred) and add about $15 to account for small fluctuations or potential increases.Gas: For gas, I calculate the median bill during the winter (when usage is highest) and the median bill in the summer (when usage is typically lowest).

However, my take on this is they did not do sufficient due diligence on many fronts, including city government challenges, operating challenges, infrastructure challenges and marketing challenges. 

I joined with the intent to surround myself with others in the field and build my confidence and understanding of the subject matter (:I live a disciplined lifestyle when managing my expenses and living below my means.

@Justin Boyd just saw the location on this, I'm somewhat familiar with that market, we do quite a few retail deals in CLE and the surrounding areas, I'd be happy to give you an opinion on the site if its helpful.  

I've flipped several properties in Eastwood Hills East and surrounding neighborhoods, with about half selling to homeowner occupants and the other half sold to investors with tenants already in place.That said, the specific property you're considering is key.

Avoid investing in any city listed here: The Most Dangerous Cities in America, Ranked.Cities with a metro population >1M: Companies need significant infrastructure, which is only available in metropolitan areas with a population > 1 M.

At the time I looked, 20 or so years ago, the problem with smaller down towns is the proliferation of nearby strip malls, where the stores are surrounded by a large parking lots, and for laundromats, attract more customers as they can park easily, walk to adjacent stores for shopping, snacks, and browse newspaper and magazine racks, which explains why they do better, there's more customers.

Low crime, steady employment opportunities in the surrounding areas as well as Appleton. 

Hey Nelson, I have managed many voucher program rentals in Orlando and surrounding areas.

I do however want to purchase something within Indianapolis or the surrounding areas: Greenwood, Avon, Carmel, Plainfield etc.