Before Oil & Gas went bust, I could easily haul pipe locally and bring home $1,000/week or better.

I’m from Conroe, Tx, I’m an engineer for a major oil and gas operator in Houston, TX.

Income:Enough to cover these expenses with a comfortable bufferExpenses: ~$3000/mo($1600/mo mortgage, $400/mo car payment, $600/mo utilities/food/gas/etc..., $400 living money)

You have new cabinets, new tile (kitchen, bathroom, living room), new flooring (kitchen, bathroom, living room), new trim & millwork (kitchen & living room), new solid surface counter tops, new sinks & faucets (kitchen & bathroom), gas fireplace, new doors, new hardware, new paint in all rooms, new light fixtures, etc, etc.

Often times the gas and other utilities are turned off.

So, I do not expect real estate investing to become my full time job, but I plan to pursue it fairly vigorously.We picked downtown Houston initially based on the proximity of two growing industries (oil & gas and medical) that were attracting young professionals (our target renters). 

I would probably get a better answer consulting a psychic than listen to some of these oil and gas CEOs and their predictions.

Hook ups to city water sewer, gas and electric ran about $8000 installed Zoning fees were about $100 but it was quite a processs  Moving fees were $3000. 

I do work as a Right of Way Agent acquiring pipeline easements in South Texas Eagleford oil & gas play near San Antonio, and I am working toward my first personal real estate deal to flip/wholesale houses.

Drive by the place, look for separate gas meters and electric boxes - you will be able to discern the utility situation from that.