What are the expenses (taxes, who pays utilities, etc)?

(prorating utilities by tenant head count for instance). 

I am a fan of utilizing equity in existing real estate owned to build the rental portfolio though at the beginning, rather than just relying on money saved alone.  

Just to mention a few:- Wynn Casino (First Casino in the GCC states) in Ras al Khaimah- Al Maktoum International Airport (set to become the worlds busiest airport)- Palm Jebel Ali (the second palm bigger and more luxurious)- Expo City (Regions largest exhibition center)Its a lot of information but I believe it gives a simple explanation to the complex market here.Let me know if you would like to know more about the market and if you would need guidance into exploring the possibilities here!

They can take care of a lot of the monotonous tasks, and even do things like send leases, screen tenants, add rent charges, pay utility bills, the list goes on. 

Vacancy: 3 weeks every 2 years + utilities Make ready expenses: from $1000 to $5000 depending on house needs  

I have had nothing but problems utilizing their system. 

I decided to get liscenced as a home inspector and utilize my knowledge in building science so I can add value to others but also so that I could immerse myself in the real estate industry and show investors that I am taking this seriously.

A HELOC will not allow you to deduct I believe on the interest unless the money is utilized for repairs on your primary residence and not to buy another home. 

Indeed, unless you're in the luxury segment, renters won't give that much of a dime and in any case won't pay a huge premium because your condo is beautiful.