Make sure the roof overhangs the eves by 10-12" so water runs off onto the ground and not down the side of the home.  

Does anyone else worry about water in places like Vegas?

Modern plumbing and electrical, brick exterior, water drains away from house, no large trees near house, etc- No one will look after your property as well as you want them to.

In some states utilities like sewer and water can add up fast and they attach to the house.  

If I had to type that information fresh every time, I would never do it and we'd have that many more uninformed investors in the world. 

Expenses such as water, sewer, garbage, gas, electricity, lawn care, etc.

For example in my duplex the copper water piping developed pinhole leaks in several areas and needed to be replaced.

The biggest renovations we did to a house was paint and flooring throughout, whole new kitchen, new electrical, water heater, plumbing, new bathroom, and rebuilt part of the porch, and moved a window, and we didn't reach 20K so that might be a little high.

Plus I do all the ground work, taxes, water, liens and title searches for clean titles.

I don't like the idea of a pet deposit because what if the pet was great and there was no damage due to the dog however there is other damages or unpaid rent, I feel that muddies up the water.