In applying water & heating cost etc, is this an american thing that all power, heating & water costs are paid by the landlord & inorporated into the cost?

U have come to the right place, it sounds like u have a huge head start with ur background so all power to u as u embark on ur journeyMy advice wud be too sign up for the weekly webinars they are seriously epic, and with all the other tools available I strongly believe if u can put together a good deal then u will be able to find a hard money investor for sure, I've learnt that it's about how good and clear is the deal to bring in ROIAlso stick around daily and get aquainted with the surroundings and like minded people, I have learnt so much just from reading threads and interacting!...

We installed a solar powered outdoor light and it works great.

I am in the same boat, cant find a positive cash flowing property.

We already have siding (just need to power wash) and most of the windows.

A great Investing Agent will do everything in their power to locate them, and gain control over that interest in some fashion or another.  

I guess I am in the same boat.  

some wonder women powers, congrats Mindy

And then as you stated, that's assuming no compounding of the interest (which of course is the most powerful tool in the universe!)

A common theme I have come to realize is the importance and power of networking.