They apparently have all kinds of electrical things, lights, fixtures, plumbing connections, fasteners...like anything they can get their hands on cheap and in bulk through like amazon returns, or auction sites/locations locally they are doing it.  

The RE bug has bitten me pretty hard and I’ve been tempted to try and look for a way to make a local deal happen.

Hello Everyone, I've been renting a townhome to a couple of people I know room by room, but am now looking to rent out the whole home and transfer gas and electric to the tenents.

I rehab houses too, and when the appraiser comes over, they get an extremely detailed list of all the things we did to improve the house - especially those that aren't visible like electric and plumbing.I also work with my agent to price it reasonably based on comps.

Also, you will likely be unable to get approval for additional gas or electric meters, so be prepared to add the cost of utilities to the rent.Lastly, as an investor considering buying one of these properties, I think it's important to remember that a 2 unit + garden is not equal to a legal 3 unit, even if the expected rental income is comparable.

I know there are additional expenses of tying into city water, electricity, and sewage.

Philippines are cheaper and speak better English, but while they all say they can work the graveyard shift (being 12 hours time difference with EST), you should expect some problems with their internet connections, electricity and floods.

Clair like an idiot for the last 4-5 years before I caught the RE bug and now I'm just trying to figure out how to tackle my housing expense but this is the issue I've been stuck on.

After looking at the list, we came to an agreement on the things they would fix (carpentry, painting, and yardwork mostly, as well as acting as my contact when dealing with other contractors) and the things I would hire outside contractors to do (such as a new roof, new flooring,  electrical). 

Costs Non-recurring Closing costs - 6% of purchase priceMonthly  % Vacancy and Credit Losses - 5-10% of monthly rent Property Management Fees - 8-11% of monthly rent Real Estate Taxes - actual from folio # Repairs and Maintenance - 5-15% of monthly rent Rental Property Insurance - 2,000 Homeowners/Property Association Fees - 0 Capex reserve - 1% of purchase price Utilities  Water and Sewer - tenant Gas and Electricity - tenant  Garbage - tenant Cable, Phone, Internet - tenant - tenant