This is in reference to one particular item of rehab.

Beginning to put together a business model/strategy for a property in this area at the moment

We have a total rent due, with rent and utilities as separate line items equaling the total in that property.I agree with what other posters have said-best to have tenants pay for their usage.

However, you can actually save millions of dollars in taxes by starting during the blueprint phase.Here are some examples of ways to save on taxes:For conference rooms in a hotel, Instead of installing regular walls, if you install moveable walls, the walls could be depreciated using the rules of bonus depreciation.For a multi-family apartment complex, changing the model of the bathroom exhaust fan to a variable speed could help qualify for the energy credit which is $2,000/unit.For a large apartment complex, installing a ceiling fan could allow you to qualify for 45L tax credits.For a hotel, if the porte-cochere is detached from the hotel building, it could be fully deductible in year one as it could be considered a land improvement.

Their business model as an entrepreneur is based upon the act of investing in real estate full time.

They will recommend only good people to me when I ask and they will have their finger on the pulse of availability/progress and also get the word out that I am a good person to work for.If I were you I would look around your house/units and see all the household/tool/etc. things you may need or want and then I would go down to Kovarik True Value Hardware (just did a search), introduce yourself, ask to open an account, buy some items and explain your needs...

My opinion would be to put in the 10-15k for upgrades, take care of any maintenance items now while your living there, rent out the place for a year and see how you like it.

Then you do the same exercise for other major items than may need to be replaced sooner or later.

They have a 20% admin fee added on, but at least then I won't be held liable for their items.

I recommend setting yourself up with other individuals in your area and try to use the same resources and vett or filter out the contractor that doesn’t meet your standards or business model.