There are pet fees, non-refundable cleaning fees, pro-rated rent, et cetera. 

More like $750 for a 2 bedroom.If the HOA doesn't include electricity, then add in another $300 or so month.

My son is an electrical contractor and my husband worked for over 20 years fixing houses for an investor.                                                                                                              

Gas and electric and the list goes on.

So, always throw lipstick on, clean it, change light fixtures, paint something, get rid of trash and trim bushes, whatever, the more you touch it the less "liability" you have in your dealings. :)  

We may make 3 or 4 seperate stops at a apartment complex in 1 storm to keep things open , then we come back for the final clean up .

Properties tend to be older, so when you do a rehab you often need to replace electrical, piping, etc...I think newbies look too much at the current rent ratios cash flow and not enough on the vision for adding value and increasing rents. 

The reality is on a HUD home in many cases you will not be able to turn on utilities even with a ratified contract as in many cases the property has known leaks or electrical issues therefore they will allow the utilities turn on at all....even for an appraiser.  

I was told I can buy the mobile home then take the bill or sale to the DMV and will issue me a clean title.  

Personally, I'd just charge him rent as per normal, then have him invoice for the work that he does, and keep all transactions clean and clear.