Considering you know your regional norms and were participating in the conversation, it appears you detected racism that might not otherwise be apparent from reading your post.

If the tenant has to pay the money you better believe they will tell you about it.The tenant also lets their buddies come over to wash their cars,the tenants takes extra long showers,and also lets friends come over and run the washer and dryer constantly because their friends do not have a place to do clothes themselves.I have also seen on a building before where the rent included the power bill.A tenant had the A/C on with setting at 60 and a blanket on themselves because they were cold.So long story short you want the tenant to bare the burden of all utilities.Trash can be included with apartments as that is simple.Utilities can eat a landlords cash flow ALIVE.

Once in a blue moon I catch a sleeper with bare margins for flipping.If you're new to rehabbing chances are the first time around you won't be making any money, at least that was my case.

Do you participate as a hands on investor, or act as financial investor/joint venture partners?

I have two deals in front of me where the borrowers will not participate in a short sale but are willing to deed their properties to me.

Please bare with me if you would.

Jon Klaus & Greg B. - Are there any plans for another DFW Meetup int he next couple of months?

In a profit sharing or 401k the valuation of 401k assets will determine the value of a participant’s account, and ultimately, a participant’s distribution.

Employers demanding college educations but barely compensating employees beyond a HS degree.

Yes, it's regulated and yes, it's not as easy as it was, but it is a fantastic profit center.In areas where you have an REI club, any group of investors could participate in a financing entity as a conduit to do business.