In other words, how many units are CURRENTLY vacant, not an average or estimated 5%. 5% would mean that less than 1 unit would have a vacancy each year which is practically impossible.Who pays the utilities?

That can be a disaster: utility prices are volatile and tenants waste utilities when they don't pay for them.

1) Price: $249,000 (duplex in class b, c area/San Diego, CA) Shortsale and appraisal came in at list price, orig. owner purchased for $475k in 2005 Owner pays utilities, tenants pay elec., gas 2 units rent for $1200 a month.

I currently utilize a self-directed IRA.

If that's good; they have no evictions; no criminal history; and only one hit over a utility bill, then I would certainly rent to them.

Bought a 4/2 1700 sq/ft 2 story in my backyard in late December for $60K, spent $35K total on rehab, holding, closing, utilities, everything.

.- What about lawn care, accounting costs, legal costs, termite inspections/treatments, advertising, utilities during vacancy periods, etc?

And reminds me of a unit which had separate utilities, but for some reason the baseboard floor heaters were all ran off the main unit's meter.

Its 3 family home with seperate utilities and entrances from the outside.

If the rental was greener would they pay more for rent, less for utilities (overall wash) just becuase it was green?