New paint, water tanks, one furnace (other was still working fine), new flooring and carpet throughout, new doors and hardware, fixed all plumbing issues, updated electrical, and new appliances for both units.Property taxes: $1,100 annualUtilities: I allot $200 per month, yet to exceed that (Only pay for water and sewer, trash is included in Property Tax)Maintenance: $100 allotted, yet to exceed ($70 for lawn mowing from Spring to Fall (bi-weekly), and winter up to $100 for snow plow)Offering: $67,500 (10% down)Terms: 72 months (30 year Amortized)Interest: 6.5%Payments: $1,188.64 per monthAdditional Comments: This property gets a ton of interest because it is the nicest and best looking property in that neighborhood.

Of the boomers who die, their primary homes are likely being sold and their snow bird places are likely falling into foreclosure as they are not selling.

Here is a link to details about tomorrow's meeting on Tues 12/17 in Waltham Massachusetts. We're giving away a few gift cards for the winners of SurvivorOpoly, a Black Diamond original, so come and play and networ...

I've been looking particularly at NW Indiana, but am intimidated by the distance and lack of familiarity - ex. what potential issues are there in places that snow?

And make sure to account for the following expenses:1) Mortgage 2) Mortgage insurance (PMI or MIP) or FHA Risk base3) Property Taxes 4) City Taxes5) HOA (Home Owner’s Association) Dues and Fees and Assessments 6) Insurance  a) Property Hazard Insurance  b) Flood Insurance   c) Earthquake Insurance   d) Umbrella Insurance7) Vacancy Rate (usually 8% - the equivalent to one month a year, or 5-6% if multifamily and/or if experienced, if not use 8%)8) Utilities (you’ll have these if your tenant is not covering them and/or during vacancy)  a) Water § Sewer § Garbage  b) Electricity c) Natural Gas d) Propane9) General Maintenance (usually 5%)  a) Upkeep § Landscaping  b) Snow removal  c) Repairs   d) New Appliances 10) Capital Expenditures (usually 5%, higher is the property is old and obsolete, less if fully rehabbed and all mechanicals and roof are new)11) Property Management (8%, even if you self manage, your time still has value and there might be a time when you'll want to be completely hands off or you'll not be able to do it, vacation, retirement, etc.) 

I plan 100 for trash, snow and water.

(Lawn care /snow removal small maintenance and out source for contractors We had problems right away with gas line, water links, drywall from (water leaks) about 3,000 total!

Winters get cold in Jan/Feb, but snow is hit and miss.

I also hate shoveling snow.  

Also please be aware that snow removal is a real thing, and the city can fine you if you fail to clear it up.