Salt water, storm threats, and a snow-bird lifestyle are the driving force behind the need.

Many of these give sales pitches, gurus try to sell their products or mentoring programs, or someone tries to get you to invest in a REI Fund by a group of people pooling their money, for some REI and promising an unrealistic return.

I have precisely ZERO comparative advantage against those guys, so I figure it's probably best to do what I can to stay out of their end of the pool until I get my sea legs.Jeez, I dunno what it is about this forum, but I start out intending to write something quick and it ends up being a novel. 

@Phelim Lennon I financed the property 20% down conventional by spending money getting the heat/water to run to meet guidelines before actually purchasing the property.

The only thing I can think of is that I discovered an owed balance on the water bill from the owner pre-foreclosure.

Otherwise you can get a loan based on what you spent Yes, reserves is 3 months of PITI paymentsI have a 4 unit and duplex on the same lot and that is my average water bill.  

It is no different than any other utility - are you liable if your tenants misuse the water or electricity (i.e. grow op, unlicensed home brewer, etc)?  

I do believe you need to put your feet in the water it you actually want to learn how to swim, so most likely, in a few years, i will look at the investments I have made in the last few years and say to myself "today I would have done it better", nevertheless, I am happy i have done them. 

Its a 3/2/2/pool.

Best balance and closest proximity of outdoors/beach and water activities/food/nightlife/weather I've seen.