There may be other reasons for the high usage such as poor insulation or leaky windows, or maybe even an illegal marijuana plantation!

Mine lists the cost if they lose their keys, that they can't change the paint color or window coverings without permission, they're required to have renter's insurance, and so on. 

I thought of putting numbers on the triangle stoop but was wondering about putting them on the brick next to the far right/left windows as well...

You have to ID the properties within the 45 day window and if you don't win the auction, you're whole 1031 falls apart.

Another thing that will be needed that is good for a lower basement unit is an egress window.  

Home window tinter?

Now, one  of them installed a window AC in his room.

I am still a year out from making my first real estate investment by simple fact that I do not have the requisite # of credit lines to obtain a mortgage loan and also because I would like to save up as much as possible to account for emergency costs that I may face.With that being said - how would you guys recommend a new to-be investor to best save and/or grow his money with an approximate one year time window prior to making a real estate investment? 

@Peter Green is right on the money - it's not rocket science, but framing an interior non-load bearing wall without openings is different than an exterior window & door wall.

check with the local authority having jurisdictionyoull need to really have all your questions ready and be able to justify the need in your areathere will be permit costs and fire marshal approvalyoull also be looking at access front door, back door, window sizes for fire escapesramps, ADA requirements and are there stepsenjoy