I know this isn't a typical way of doing this, but my philosophy has always been, "you never know until you ask."

Unfortunately they shut that feature down for some reason a few months ago

This is not the popular option as it costs money to replace it outright but I typically spend $800 or so installed.

Just for reference a typical syndication deal would offer you a preferred return of 8 to10 percent after which profits would go 70/30 in favor of the investor.

Typically a better product results in higher margins.

When they require full funds I will typically bring a check for a $1 over the starting bid amount, then I will bring some random denominations, like some 1K checks, one for 2K, one for $500, one for 5K.

I looked at what the typical costs were through the year (some utilities will tell you if you call), then split it out based on the size of that unit in such a way that I would never be charging more than their fair usage.

Typically on my pro formas I don't figure in depreciation tax savings.

They include cell-based meter communication in their monthly fee which, based on the features that I want, looks like it will cost just under $18/month for my triplex.

Besides the price to rent ratios the laws are typically tenants friendly in CA which makes it even more difficult...I've been investing in TX for many years and I think it is still very good market to invest (Dallas, San Antonio).If you want to learn more about out of state investing feel free to check out this meet up group -meetup.com/Los-Gatos-Real-Estate-Networking-Meetup/