The base charge is the amount you pay anyway even if your consumption is 0.

That may seem like a small example but it represents the shift in mindset that needs to take place and explains why USA is known for consumption rather than producing exports.

I am not saying that is a bad thing as you SHOULD be paid for your services, only to point out your opinionated statement does not come without bias.Alfred,If you are not "too hot" on retirement or tax deferred vehicles, you need to get hot as they are one of the greatest strategies/advantages to planning for retirement.I would NOT suggest you pull the cash out with your 20 month deferred plan as you will not only pay the marginal tax rate on the withdrawl, but you will also get hit with an additional 10% penalty.That said, you will basically end up with only 1/2 of your funds after taxes and penalties.I would strongly urge you to reconsider that course of action and educate yourself more on the subject, both right here on BP and any other sources such as books, news articles, programs, etc.If you are self-employed, I believe the solo 401k and now, the 401(a) plan to be a great choice over the SDI.For those you are not self employed, the SDI is a great feature, much more beneficial than IRA accounts managed by others who ONLY care about how many fees and commissions they can earn from you, regardless of the fact that you make or lose money.There are several legal and moral strategies to use qualified plan funds and benefit yourself outside of the plan all while benefiting the plan at the same time.

I see absolutely nothing morally or ethically wrong with my strategy... and I advise all of my students to do it.

Morally i feel it is the right thing to do and landlords cherish long term tenants such as these. 

there are moral and ethical arguments in this scenario that your glossing over..were it becomes illegal Is as I stated the bad people get in there rip the rents and never pay and leave the poor seller out to dry..

@Carolyn Morales it’s actually downtown.

We've generally been able to reduce heating oil consumption 40-50% once we buy a building (you have personally been the beneficiary of two of these instances, haha!).

@Carolyn Morales I think might have experience with this or lots.

My answer is behind "door #1".Moral of the story:  You can't "buy" cash flow out of pocket.