You can remotely monitor the property and address any potential issues quickly.Automated tasks: Smart lights can be programmed to turn on/off automatically, saving energy and adding a touch of security by creating the illusion of occupancy when the property is vacant.Consider using a smart home hub like Google Home or Amazon Echo.

Energy Efficiency:Invest in energy-efficient appliances and fixtures.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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? 

In 10 years, when you have a nice portfolio of homes and they're cash flowing nice chunks of money, you'll appreciate the amount of time, energy and effort you put into your business and will get to enjoy the fruits of your labor.When I first went to the cpa I've been using for the last 5 or 6 years and explained what I was doing, he said, he's heard it before.