If that is the only room you are painting, most wouldnt even be bothered, just too much waste on gas and setup for that small a job.

You are welcome to disagree, however, I don't see a valid argument in your statement.

I am not sure about the deregulated for natural gas.

This site is full of valid information and reassurance for new and old investors.I am going to take a few days to think about my next move.

The agent will take them around all over creation and then MAYBE find them something.The buyers agent is say first months rent at 800 and the buyers agent gets a 300 to 400 co-op fee.Take away gas,brokers split,meals for the buyer (renter)etc. and you are break even or at a loss.You could do better just doing a few BPO reports for banks for some coin without the headache.So unless an owner wants to do themselves there are costs involved and margins are thin as it is.

In Philadelphia, natural gas is lienable too!

Regarding your other point about people moving out becoming renters, it is a valid point and similar to what Charles mentioned.

Bill, you have pointed out some valid real life concerns about buying invesment property.

I intend to add the clause of subject to final approval of partner as well as the inspection period (just in case)I plan to put up the $10 earnest money, because I was told it had to be something of monetary value to make the contract valid.

It's also very validating for me to read a post from some one with so much more experience saying exactly what I would have said.