I have also budgeted for $125 water/sewage per tenant.    

Break that $1,000 into a budget and spend it on marketing.

So rental properties at this point wouldn't fit my schedule or budget.

I budgeted $100 a month since I wanted to give myself a 20% fudge factor in case they do go up in the future.

Perhaps they are great at their job but the former owners had them on a short leash or restricted budget.

My company has funded me for an initial $250 marketing campaign. I know it's not much but they are looking to see what I'm capable of doing with $250. If you had this amount what would you do and why? 

Multiply the credit limits you are able to get by 14.5%, don't let the balance of either card go above that.That number is your "I love you" budget for each month.Buy your significant other two things (one on each card) a month that total less than the 14.5% number.As soon as your bill comes, pay the balance off in full.The next day, go buy your significant other something else nice. 

My all in budget is around $275k.

That way, if you need to outsource the management down the road, your operations budget will not suffer any shock.

I'd like to learn more about subjects like budgeting, saving for retirement, choosing a credit card, etc.