In the desert it costs me LESS than $20 for water.

Opex has been a huge hit to most property owners in all shapes and forms, myself included, but to know to keep your back wide enough to cover your own you'll be able to navigate these waters just fine. 

Your best bet is a property on water and sewer in a non HOA community and either convert the garage to an ADU or Build a separate ADU .

"Holding onto a grudge is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die."

(This was right out of the gate) Other things were a furnace, AC, Water heater. 

Land + soft costs (architect, engineering, water, etc. - any cost accounted for prior to permit) should be considered as equity in the deal once ready to build. 

Currently we do not pay anybody's heat or hot water. 

With Risk Rating 2.0, FEMA looks at several factors to assess a property's real flood risk.Key Factors Considered- Property Location: How close the property is to water sources (rivers, lakes, coasts).- Flood Frequency: How often the area floods historically.- Types of Floods: Includes heavy rainfall, storm surges, and river overflow.- Elevation and Distance from Water: Higher and farther properties generally face lower risk.- Rebuilding Costs: Higher-value homes may have higher premiums due to more expensive repairs.What This Means for Homeowners- Fairer Premiums: Properties with lower risk may see lower premiums, while higher-risk properties may face increased costs.- Gradual Rate Increases: Increases are phased in over time for policyholders who see higher premiums, with annual caps on the rate hike.- More Predictable Rates: Rates better reflect the real risk rather than just being based on a flood zone map.Example Scenario (Simplified)- Old System: A house in a designated flood zone pays $1,000 annually, regardless of its elevation or distance from the water.- Risk Rating 2.0: That same house may now pay $1,200 if it's closer to the water and more vulnerable or $800 if it's higher up and better protected.Flood zones still matter under Risk Rating 2.0, but their role has changed. 

@Dana Boyd our water is paid through the HOA where the cabin is located.

For a project like this, where you’re installing a water heater, HVAC, replacing a front door, and installing appliances, here are some key insights: 1.