I have a 9-5 and three kids which makes things a little challenging (owner occupied off the table), but I am very excited to join a community with so much positive energy and information.

Total waste of energy.  

Day to day job is as an Engineer for a Oil & Gas Company in Houston's Energy Corridor, given the current market conditions I see Real Estate as a future way of diversifying my income.  

Now im set to close next week and the banks attorney sent my attorney the hud stating that the buyer is responsible for paying water/sewer bills because it is "occupied". has anyone had a similar issue relating to this and if so did you negotiate out of paying it or did you just have to bite the bullet and pay it?

Dont have much experience but i would bite the bullet and wait for more permanent tenents.

I can't speak to the issues of other markets that are energy heavy.

Looks like I'll bite the bullet and pay it. 

It's good to want to help others and make them happy, It shows you have a heart, but recognize that those are completely different unlimited desires based on your limited resources of money, time, and energy. 

We are debating the relative merits of a 1031 exchange with the proceeds, vs just biting the bullet and paying the 15% capital gains.

These improvements will cut your energy bills by 30% or more and you will get the best ROIhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?