I grabbed my multi meter and showed them the voltage in the water . 

But it should only be attorney cost, the deed and recording fees (few hundred) , maybe a final water cert.

Pretty often no water, sewer, power or even roads to the property. 

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.

A law degree does not mean you know anything re wraps.If worse comes to worse, you can stop the foreclosure with legal action - it costs some but you will not lose your equity.I would not throw the baby out with the bath water re doing wraps and I do hope all works out for you.Reach out if you need a referral to a good AZ attorney to helpBe careful out there guysAlan Not to be too blunt, but you are handing bullets to a six year old with a gun.

Shared laundry meant a fifth utility meter and high water costs that I paid.

It is standard practice and component level depreciation is encouraged by the IRS.Though it is very important to track you time as you go along.

The snake behind the water heater during rehab. 

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.

@Martti Eckert here's the big issue that no one really talks about that you hopefully find helpful (this is copy & pasted):-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Recommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?