A lot of apartment complexes in my area divide the water bill by the number of units and bill the tenants for it.

@Frederick Jackson - I know of a few off-market apt complexes available in greensboro.

As long and complex as it is, it seems to create a greater air of legitimacy and a level of comfort for the seller.  

Hi @Kevin Polite, you could probably spend anywhere from $5000 to $8000 for this, and possibly more, depending on the complexity of the layout of the existing area and how the new vaulted/cathedral ceiling will be framed in.

In less than a decade I will sell my liability (personal residence) and buy an apartment complex with tax free proceeds.

Opinions on purchasing apartment complexes instead of multiple houses?

And there are a few ways to accomplish "no money down investing," that are too complex to put in a quick answer here. 

Rich Weese as a good sized complex in Garland.

I might jump in and buy another complex if its in my strategic stronghold.What area of town do you plan to focus on?

Longer term, I'd like to take all my equity & 1031 it into an apartment complex (s) or some other cash flowing properties & take an early retirement. :)Of course, all that may change as circumstances change, but if you're gonna dream, you might as well dream big!