I am on the fence with the “optional” mentor program that offers more resources than spoken about on here, but even if I did and my first acquisition fee covered just that, it would be worth the investment. we do not know here whether or not the nay sayer here utilized all of the resources or not. 

I too live in Marin, and feel it is a solid long term market for apprecaition, and utilizing the power of principle reduction.When it comes to refinancing, figure out what the loan costs will be, then divide that buy the monthly savings with the new loan in order to determine how long you have to maintain that loan to break even. 

The important things to consider about HOA fees is that they usually include some utilities: Water/Sewer, Trash, sometimes shared amenities like gym, clubhouse, pool, and they are saving you the time and headache for property maintenance: lawn care, tree timing, roof, siding, etc.

Think there is some substantial validity in this, but do you think it could potentially be utilized in a different fashion?

Utilities, including common area will also be different.

I enjoy finding creative ways to monetize normally overlooked spaces at my rental properties.  I've been successful at renting out detached garages on a few of my properties.  I'm soon closing on a multi-family proper...

The reality is that the Gross S8 Rent amount on an S8 voucher includes all utilities.

Originally posted by @Kelly Watkins:Residential developers in Wichita pass the cost of the neighborhood utilities (sewers, streets etc..) onto the buyer.

If the didn't do that then they have converted to LTR or MTR rentals at a steady monthly income and have the tenants take over the utilities which offsets the loss of more income.

The house had the utilities turned off for the 6 years, and was filled with the original 1 owner's furniture, clothes, appliances, car and ecn food in the frig (without elctric on for 6 years).