Drago Thank you for the Warm welcome, Drago! 

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

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.

As a sidenote I see people doing this and jacking up the price of the home to seller finance to above market value - if you do this you better be VERY clear with your investors that you are writing a $300k loan on a $250k property as if you do not you can get in some serious hot water later on down the line when doing valuations of the company. 

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.

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. 

Instead, shut off the water to the toilet and place a sign on the door "Art exhibit: Non-functioning bathroom."

Implementing water-saving initiatives is a smart way to reduce utility costs.

But your main killers; road access, water access, fire hydrants, flood plain, storm sewers, Storm ponds, road surface requirements, etc. 

Are you in a market where water lines could freeze in the winter if there’s no heat?