I would rather spend my time and energy on something else.I got into this for FIRE; self managing properties doesn't align with my goals from real estate.

But with 4 kids in their teens/twenties now, seems like that money would be far better used if one of them has entrepenurial ideas (and energy and time). 

My leverage was my intimate knowledge of housing systems and construction techniques and my willingness to apply time and energy to the problem when I didn't have money.

That's just asking for trouble.If you want to consider renting it, focus your energy on finding a good property manager, then follow their advice.Remember: cheaper doesn't mean you'll make more money.Start by going to www.narpm.org to search their directory of managers.

Side note: Anybody else get some serious "fan girl/boy" energy when people like @Dave Meyer comment on these posts.

There are a lot of energy and resources that go into getting the snowball rolling, so that's what I invest in right now. 

Hi @Mark Mahoney,I'm in the process of buying a house in the NJ area and would like to know what is the average cost of utilities (water, energy, gas) for a 6-8 people sober house from your experience? 

So instead of trying to force square peg's in round holes, maybe consider better uses of your energy, how to better get round peg's that fit nice and neatly, and at a nice profit I might add. 

Instead of trying to structure a deal, spend more time and energy figuring out what's wrong with the property. 

You can keep trying as it is possible to get different results depending on who you talk to, however I do not think it is worth the energy.