The regulations have gone out of control and the storm water management alone will run into the 10's of thousands.

You also from an investment perspective need to consider the increased costs associated with places that are now flood zones, raising the height of buildings, etc.

when I look back one of my best years in buying foreclosures was 2004.. now I attribute that to the fact that the internet had not fully taken off Regarding RE.. so you still needed to have those particular set of skills that I learned from the 1970's on... now with the interenet its flooded the market with investors who here to fore would have never competed with me as it would have been to tough and complicated.Even BP is  perfect example of free on  line training.. for better or worse depending on your perspective.

Our only other significant monthly obligations are water and electricity.

Looking for buy-out, rather than incomePut in a new water heater.

You can look up the local utility company and call them to find out the cost of water and sewer.

Recently the basement flooded and as you can guess the sump pump isn't working.

We do a lot of work in flood zones and from what I've heard regarding "stilts"(we call them pilings) is you're looking at 20-30k extra over a traditional slab with a crawl space....Most of our footings are within a couple feet of sea level so we've never needed pilings but if you're indeed that deep you defintiely can't pour a footing on top of muck.....The other concern is flood insurance - the lower your first floor elevation the higher the flood insurance - I'd imagine if your first floor is under 10' the insurance would be astronomical.....your best bet is to talk to an engineer, get a survey, and go from there.

. $1,200 to $3,000.I don't do major electrical work or major plumbing, however I will install new hot water tank and new air conditioner unit and or heating unit only if needed.SO therefore on the low side my quick estimate is $8,400 and on the high side $31,000

The following are a list of thing that are mandatory:- A/C units (will need to purchase two since this is a two story house in FL)-Kitchen (old kitchen cabinets have had had major water damage, counters are broken and will need new appliances.)