. - Also are there book recommendations specifically geared to this for modern design elements and ways to save on cash?

. - not overpaying).So lets dive in.How To Evaluate A Real Estate Deal - (for single family houses)There are just a few main elements when you're evaluating a deal.Cost of repairs needed to get it back up to good conditionThe after repair market value of the property (what it's worth and can sell for today once it's fixed up)If you're going to buy and hold for a rental... you need to know what you can rent it out for and what your "debt service" (mortgage payment) will be.

The short version (yes, this is the short version) is that a nurse lost her job, and literally walked out the door to take a job in another state without taking any of her belongings, closing the doors, taking out the trash, or even leaving the heat on.

It feels a bit like the penny stock approach to the stock market, which fails far more often than it works.Down South, Colorado Springs is a bit over heated and there's some real garbage, though I've seen some interesting opportunities in Colorado City. 

The important element here is to speak with your lender. 

I noted in my comment that there is a distinction (subtle but very important) in MA and other non-judicial states which is that there is an element that becomes judicial when you have to get the non-military finding.

Are utilities included, cable, internet, wifi, heat, a/c.

Did a 57k rehab, including 2 kitchens and 2 baths, also converted the heating from oil to gas.

Tenant is out of the home in a hotel, due to the extreme Florida heat. 

Her old lease reads "The tenant will pay all utilities, except for the following which will be paid by the landlord: Oil heat, water & sewer."