I find recurring themes and strategies that come up over and over, gaining the knowledge from multiple sources has helped to narrow my focus and weed out the strategies that don't seem to fit me and my plan and also has helped me to discern what information seems to be bogus.

Capex is usually reserved for major improvements/repairs rather than for recurring expenses (like utilities). 

I have replaced several of the above only to find a recurring theme.  

I've heard a  lot of horror stories about other turn key companies from our clients and there are always recurring themes but in general, the ones to avoid are the ones that: Don't allow financing or a finance contingency (it can be a good indication they are selling above market value) Don't allow for your own independent property inspection Are not realistic with their pro forma's (i.e. they don't include vacancy or maintenance projections or use unrealistically low vacancy factors) Require you to pay for any renovation upfront Sell only in cheap. low end neighborhoods Don't accurately represent the neighborhood/property classification Don't have consistent rehab standards for all properties Don't provide a scope of work for the property Can't provide references of repeat investors Require you to close before a tenant is in place

If I miss a couple weeks of lawn care I get a citation; hence lawn care recurring bi-weekly for 2 yrs ... the cost adds up and very well is considered preservation improvement (per Denise Evans).

If your management fee is 10%, that's another $3,240 in expense, leaving you with $8,352 before non-recurring expenses.   

If anyone is in a similar to me (ie getting close to taking action or  have recently done so with US prop #1), I would love to connect via a recurring weekly call. 

Everything I read seems to emphasize making sure to accurately and completely estimate your costs up front to make sure you're dealing with a good investment, but so many people's estimates seem to simplify the costs to only recurring monthly and highly predicatable costs like taxes and utilities....etc. 

It has lead to much recurring business and much better treatment when quick action was required.

I'm not planning to rent out the entire house as a short term rental or Airbnb, so I'm just not sure if financially it makes sense to pay the recurring monthly expenses on maintaining the pool.