I recently toured a property in Phoenix where solar power and water-saving features cut operational costs by nearly 20%.6.

And as investors we should know this, but always anticipate higher costs and longer waits.EXAMPLE Breakdown of Costs:Plan Purchase: $1,500Permitting Fees: $2,500-7,500Site Preparation (grading, utilities, foundation): $20,000–$30,000ADUs require separate utility connections for water, electricity, and sewer but you can tap into existing utilities at the primary houseIn Raleigh you CANNOT split lots fee simple, so setting up completely separate utilities would not allow you to section off the ADU as of nowYour ADU must be on a permanent foundation (no wheels, no ability to move the structure)Construction (labor and materials): $100,000–$150,000Low-grade: $150–$180/sq ft averageMid-grade: $180–$220/sq ft averageHigh-end: $220–$250/sq ft averageLandscaping/Finishing Touches: $5,000Total Estimated Cost: $125,000–$200,000You could easily spend $200k+ with super end high finishes, custom designs, complicated sitework, adding a second story or more sqft, etc.

Their fill hose sprung a leak or something and hundreds of gallons of water poured into the apartment below them.

Think of all the horror stories about tenants maxing out the heat with their windows open during the winter, deliberately running water bills up, etc. 

They bought it and held it, come hell or high water.

The snake behind the water heater during rehab. 

- Securing the property- Removing the waterIf your furnace was stolen, you may need to get propane heaters to facilitate water removal.

I was now without power, or water.

The grout between the tiles allows a run off of water and a gripping surface for your feet.3. if you’re smart, use durock on the walls too, right up to the ceiling.

So it takes comprehensive knowledge of the market trends, zoning laws, the local municipalities approval process, survey cost, subsoil conditions, irrigation requirements, development cost, utilities (gas, power and internet), city water or well water, city sewer or POSW to name just a few...A builder developed the farm field next to our SD, bought it for $1.5M and wanted to build 25 homes as a conservancy subdivision.