I would try your utilities as well.

Hi BP Gurus / Seniors,I am new to the REI and placed an offer for my first multi-unit property.Here are the details.Area: Near by Shabbona Park, DunningNumber of Units: Legal 3Built: 1950Price: $455,000 ($450k (purchase) + $5k (Minor repairs: Nice to fix but not an immediate need))Loan Type: Conventional (20% down & 2.5% interest rate)Annual Gross Rent: $38,400 (Tenants pays Electricity + Gas)Annual Expenses (Property Tax + Insurance + City utility): $10,000Parking Space: 3 (Garage – 2 & Side Pad – 1)Other details: Exterior Brick, free laundry in basement, all units occupied and it is a turnkey property.Pros: Steps away to CTA Bus Stop; Good Elementary school (PK-8); Walkable to Shabbona Park Recreation, Restaurants and Grocery Stores; 10 mins drive to Schiller Woods; 15 mins drive to Airport & low crime to visit the property any time confidently.Cons: Below average High School & 20 mins CTA Bus to Blue Line.My Situation: I will be in Chicago area until next Summer and relocate to Texas.

In your expense estimate be sure to include property management (even if you self manage), maintenance/repairs, vacancy, utilities, lawn/snow care, insurance, taxes.

I was wondering if I should look for a duplex that has a master meter and a sub-meter, or split the utility bill in half, or implement the RUBS method....

She is paying the rent in full each month, but she says due to covid she can't pay the utility bill and she is trying to apply for assistance with her utility bills for covid relief.

I may have heard of people self-closing quickly with minimal risk after an owner and encumbrance search and DD with the city and county as to permits, utility bills, code violations, assessments and taxes.I may also have heard this isn't recommended for beginners at all. 

You bring up a good point - if you aren't too familiar with a specific area I would utilize an agent to vet deals but not necessarily bring the deals to you.

@Kyle Cooper If you like pools, add approximately $200-$300 per month for additional maintenance and utility bills, plus a higher insurance premium.

Eventually you will run out of your own money and will need to start utilizing OPM and creative financing.

The Tax Code offers so many opportunities to those who know how to utilize it.