All normal expenses deducted management maintenance landscaping and so on.Does that sound about right?

Just a reminder that even if he owes you the entire security deposit, you need to follow your state and local laws regarding notice to him showing itemized deductions from security deposit, any balance left or balance due to you, and proof you sent to last known address, I believe, even if it's your own unit, as he could have put a forwarding notice in with USPS. 

Hint: look for a solar architect, who acts as an adviser and works for you and audits the installer project proposal.Many states/utilities are no longer allowing net metering (kWh for kWh) and use instead all kinds of payback schemes (e.g. if you over-produce, they will gladly take your kWh for 3 cents and graciously allow you to take it back at night for 22cents - end result being, if your system is not properly sized, you will be producing energy for the utility and never recover the costs of the installation).

Contrast this with if you bought a turnkey/move in ready for $200,000, you can't add value usually (maybe update the kitchen 10 years later, add an ADU in the backyard if local laws allow that).

This only makes sense if you are in a rapidly appreciating market or location allowing you to refinance, or HELOC, getting more cash out in a reasonable period of time.

If a tenant provided a portion of the SD I'd deduct for wear and tear and pay them that amount.

I encourage you to get involved, ask questions, be open to feedback, and allow other seasoned investors to help guide you along your journey of Real Estate Investing.Best of Luck!

We pay very low percentage of income tax (because of real estate, businesses, and other deductions) and have mostly 100% employer-paid health insurance.

I dont think Pex is allow in Chicago the plumbers union strong.. copper only is what I ran into. and of course then you have copper theives jsut for that reason pex is better.

There is "insider" programs with some of the builders that an agent may be able to become a "insider" which allows for greater leverage on various front's, and "insider" pricing and deals.