Sorry to hear things didn’t work out on this one and hope you find a good deal next time Erin!

It works about 30% of the time and it is well worth it. 

So far they have been incredibly inspiring and informative (if not at times a little depressing, due to the example prices being so ridiculously low compared to the actual prices in my area!

I'd avoid doing it on the first or last week of the month as there isn't enough time to let tenants know and PMs are busy enough (as you know) with people moving in and out. 

By the time people know the exact amount of the assessment the opportunity is gone.

I'm looking to use my VA Loan for the first time to purchase my first property.

At that time I am not sophisticated enough.

@Jonathan Dempsey, thanks for taking the time to outline this for us.

If you don't think about it when you buy, someone else will when it's time to sell (and the situation is worse).

One water meter is pretty common and you can include in the rent, charge tenants a flat water fee monthly, subdivide or do a RUBS most of the time, option 1-2 work for the smaller properties.