Age doesn't mean anything really.

Since the old one hasn't failed yet you can replace when it's convenient for you rather than being stuck with whatever timetable you are forced to work with when you have a leaking water heater.Your time and expense is much lower to replace it now rather than when it fails (and based on the age you gave, it could fail any time).

I got interested in single-family rentals at an early age with my dad buying and renting out properties.

Thinking the grass is always greener on the other side is not always true. 41 is actually a great age to really begin a full time RE business, your maturity will be a great asset.

I think it was titled $1million dollars by age 30.

I've done several in that age range. 

I know it's obviously difficult to have the funds to buy real estate at such a young age, and that probably a large part of it.

When (age) did you start Btw?

I mail to apartment owners so when they call me it is a warm versus a cold lead.You can call down a phone book and eventually find a motivated seller but it's no way to run a business.You mentioned apartment buildings.What is the age and size of these buildings??

We put water,sewer,and trash into the lease to make sure it is paid and not under the tenants control.So we will have base rent plus these utilities listed in the rent for a total rent price.Fulton county is one of the few counties in Georgia where a water lien SURVIVES foreclosure.No way to get rid of it except through the local council person with legislation or negotiating a payoff of the lien.With our apartment units the benefit is we get the bill so we can moniter water usage.If the bill is really large you can use a water leak adjustment form with the Fulton county water authority.Depending on the age of your property pay special attention to leaky faucets and old toilets leaking at the wax seal,the return line,and or the tank into the bowl.If you have plumbing leaks anywhere it will drive the water bill up.If you have an outside water spigot get it capped off or removed.Tenants are notorious for using water outside and driving the bill up.You better get a hold of this lien issue now or it will get worse.