In addition to the items you've mentioned, make sure you're accounting for utilities, trash, water, property management, and maintenance reserves when running your analysis. 

,Zillow is typically wrong, it is a tool that doesn't take in to account many of the variables, I would put little weight into it. 

Another item to keep in mind is that, in many states, in addition to the "homestead protection" mentioned above, most types of retirement accounts are also protected in lawsuits. 

I am looking to learn as much as possible and assemble a team so that I can invest out of state in the Connecticut market by the end of this year.Some background on me: I am 25 and currently operate a Social Media Management company where I build my client's Social Media accounts.

I have already discovered they don't answer their phone, don't have website account access and don't take credit cards.  

set up accounts on auction websites or contact your local realtor for a list of foreclosures on the MLS

Having the vacancy, capex, ect. accounted for is always a good measure.

Account Closed I'm an investor and also a real estate agent in the Fayetteville area. 

Is there a source for the following data;  I am looking for the "norm" for the expense ratio (based on either GPR or Gross Income) for individually metered garden style apartments in the south east and the mid Atlantic (Region IV) : Marketing Insurance Janitorial Service Lawn/Snow Licenses Miscellaneous Professional Fees Accounting Legal Property Management Fees Repairs and Maintenance Resident Superintendent Salaries and Wages Supplies Taxes Real Estate Personal Property Payroll Other Trash Removal Utilities Electricity Fuel Oil Gas Sewer and Water Telephone Other (whatever I missed)

In reality I simply pay it from my operating account and move forward.