I'm sure I'll pay for all the materials and supplies, but I just did not know what these partnerships typically look like?

If for that market all landlords include utilities even if you meter out individually the tenant will go rent down the street.For a basis on rent levels you look at occupancy levels and similarity to your building.So if all things are equal at 500 per door rent occupancy averages 70%,450 per door 80%,then 400 per door 90%.You want rents based off of the lower number going in.In hard economic times good tenants will stay where the payment is lowest.When hard times come high rent buildings will experience an occupancy dip unless they have great amenities and are newer or there is low supply in the are versus tenant demand.Sometimes even with the higher rent you will have to give first months free or other concessions to move them in or keep them for a lease renewal.So that 500 a month for 6,000 a year now with one month free becomes 5,500 a year or 458.33 month after concessions.

There is tremendous over supply of condos here.

They brought in another supply, which is now know as "chinese drywall" It's toxic and actually eats away at copper.

This is fairly normal practice in the U.S. where different trade or professional groups lobby the states to make entry into their trade difficult for others so that supply is limited.

Adding new members and doing the same will make it even stronger.

To get a gas line to that house was going to cost between $100 and $125 per FOOT of run from the supply line one block away ... plus the cost of the heating system ...

Some people go into a rehab knowing that they will have to do it and keep the paper work (contracts, copies of checks, supply receipts) ready for it.

I know that kids will cost more as they get older, that is why I am trying to get my REI career going now, so that I can afford to supply him with everything he needs.

However as you noted employment bases are crucial and are generally good foundations for tenant supply.