Very common for most of today's gurus to utilize these types of subterranean creatures. 

While it might feel like an extra charge to tenants, these packages often provide value that indirectly benefits the property owner as well—like reduced maintenance calls or ensuring the property is better protected.In my experience managing a large portfolio of properties, these fees are becoming more common due to the thin margins in property management.

DOM nationwide isn't really terribly useful; in extreme situations we will already know the national economic situation.

Hey Denny - For rehab costs, a good place to start is breaking things down room by room and getting rough estimates for common repairs like the roof, HVAC, kitchen, light cosmetics, etc.

Additionally, in my market, a lot of these properties are located in areas where price-to-rent ratios are extremely favorable.

Another common problem is poor due diligence—jumping into deals without verifying the borrower or collateral often leads to future regrets.I’ve also seen over-leveraged borrowers cause trouble, prioritizing other creditors over private lenders.

Common problem, no easy answer:(We try to allow our owner clients to arrange their own maintenance, but have learned the hard way there MUST be limitations:1) They can't hire our people!

I'd be surprised if the complex doesn't have individually metered units so you may be able to eliminate the utility expenses unless those are for common areas like walk ways, parking lot or laundry.

This is a common 'trick" we use in flipping.

There are a couple of others less commonly used.