Typically you see people reserve 8.3% vacancy, 10-20% repairs/maintenance/cap ex; 8-10% property management in addition to things like insurance, taxes, any landlord paid utilities, lawn maintenance, etc.

What's the best way or resource to utilize?

http://www.wcequitygroup.com/properties/4577620045Cost Analysis Performed as Rental PropertyIn:Rent - $11,100.00Out:(Annual) Estimated Taxes - $500.00(Annual) Estimated Insurance - $850.00(Annual) Property Management (Optional) - $888.00(Annual) Estimated Utilities/Lawn/Misc -$555.00Total Costs - $2,793.00Net:$8,307.00Earn:Total yearly net equates to -$8,307.00Total monthly gross equates to - $925.00

Profitability to us = cost (mortgage) plus expenses (utilities, housekeeping, furnishing, supplies - long list) exceeded, plus at least 10% of downpayment recaptured every year. 

The daughters are paying all utilities, property taxes and other expenses associated with the property.

In the end, refi to pay back the HELOC and roll everything into a new loan on the property.As with the original posting, I too want to utilize the HELOC for rehabs since I am not able to finance that portion with a conventional.

I have a few that receive discounts for services like @James Wise mentions.In an environment of ever increasing utility costs and rising taxes, sometimes the best I can do is raise a good tenants' rent by, say, $25, then include an addendum with that rent raise that 'reduces' their rent by the same amount for continuing to pay on-time and in-full with no neighbor complaints.  

Hello,I've been looking for creative methods to utilize the funds in my Self directed IRA to purchase Real Estate.

But in general, if you have a piece of land with utilities already running into it, it should be much easier than going with bare land. 

I realize you have been utilizing the site more than I thought.