Anytime you do, there's additional cost and surprises especially if there are required inspections.

We got a similar  call, from a shocked contractor that our copper pipes were stolen... the week we hired contractors.. but surprisingly weren't stolen the 4 years the house was vacant?  

Actually, and this comes as a surprise to some, there's only one brief mention of smoke detector in the Chicago RLTO.  

The IRS (pub 527) is not very clear (surprise) on this considering how common a scenario it is.Thanks in advance!

I talked to the PWB yesterday about an unexpected mondo bill.  

...Re-Repairs ... handyman charging 2-3 times market rate fixes the problem with bubble gum and duct tape (if at all) and surprise, it breaks again in a couple months.

You don't want to pay for a surprise 10-20k roof or 4k water heater out of pocket.

I unexpectedly began my real estate investing/rental property career in 2007 after a job transfer forced me to quickly become a landlord. 

I didn't receive a response, so I followed up after a week, and to my surprise the founding partner at the firm sent an interesting reply, including this sentence--"If you would be willing to work as an independent contractor agent on 100% commission and learn as you go, I would be willing to speak with you."

The area around the Navy there should be a continual demand area with potential build up of military and should help you sell.There will always be unexpected expenses.