Like most towns it varies from really nice areas to "war zones".  

So, though I “missed” out on the gains in real estate, I was able to capture quite a bit in index funds (I dabbled in individual stocks as well, but that is a story for another site).From there, I moved on to Dayton, Ohio to pursue and Master's degree on the military's dime. 

On average I try to spend 10k or under on new purchases to get them ready to be rented and under 5k every time a tenant decides to destroy a property but it can vary a lot depending on how much of the work I decide to do myself and the pricing of the people I decide to hire along with what all needs to be done.

The low voltage section would not be considered part of the electrical system and you would have a high degree of flexibility in the placement and wiring of the lights. 

then BP is one great big degree program on real estate investing. 

Where you invest, your goals, and strategy vary markedly.  

From my last few closing in Dayton:Closing Costs $550-600,Owners Title Insurance: $5.75 per $1,000, minimum $175.Insurance and Taxes are property specificAdd $250-300 if Land Contract or Owner Financing.If you have a bank financing it, add the following:Appraisal $600Fees $300Origination and Docs $1500 (Varies Widely)Lenders Title Insurance: $20.00 per $1,000Initial escrow deposit if needed (2 -5 months taxes and Insurance)The origination and Docs can vary a lot depending the bank and loan terms.

I entered into IT right around 2000 where anyone with an IT degree was making 70K+ during college that entry level wage dropped to 30K.

I pay 2pts and 12% to my lenders, but don't make payments and get 100% financing.Hard money varies, but around here its 4-5 points 12-15% interest and they still want 20% in, monthly payments and a credit app. 

Just saying what works varies a lot by market and competition.