There are more opportunities as many people that formerly worked in oil and gas will move away or be forced to sell.

so your addition is attached to your personal residence and pulls its electricity, water and gas from your main residence?

I have seen a larger number of foreclosures lately, due in part (I assume) to the downturn in the oil and gas industry.  

@Christian Sifuentes, are you referring to Baltimore Gas and Electric (as in the utility company providing the electricity) or BGE Home (a contractor playing off the BGE acronym)?

Shopping centers, Gas Stations, Liquor  Stores, etc, that are bank owned, in foreclosure.

     Another interesting note is that if you are laundering on-site, you are incurring significant cost from electric, gas, water, and wear and tear on your washer/dryer.  

If you have gas on gas or oil it could be one reason your rates are higher.

This is my current situation:No real estate experience, living with family (we do not own a house, we currently rent)Student Loans: 45K (currently on interest free program, which is why I have not paid towards it yet)Savings: 20KIncome: 60K Expenses: gas (very low due to living with my family)I am a bit overwhelmed (don't know where to start) but very eager and excited to learn about real estate basics and investment.

Gas prices have been inching up here lately.  

The gas water heater came back in poor condition and was showing signs of flame rollout (meaning fire had come out from under the water heater to the outside - fire hazard!).