Hearing the girls from the neighborhood talk about how they wanted their neighborhood to be nice and have a better reputation because they loved it and thought it could be great really set the tone for the day.Every year in Yosemite, where I have a vacation rental, there is a fun weekend of clearing trash from the park and maintaining trails.  

Rental Income helps pay college... increase over time, real estate appreciation....Life /Financial Situation:- Kids set to go to college in 2 years and 7 years ( => sponsor 8 year of university)- Outside home equity I have 401(k), Emergency Fund to cover 1 year of expenses, and 529 to cover 1 year of college, and a tiny play brokerage account, paid up cars no loans.- Risk averse- Want to semi -retire early and use obamacare efficiently and some non stress job income to sail from 55 to 65.

Lenders/Servicers/Banks do not speak with potential buyers directly because they want to maintain the arms length component in a possible transaction.

Where this is an REO, I have no access to the previous utilities data, but given the boiler was an older oil burner (76% efficient), the envelope has little to no insulation and the windows (single pain with storms, which have not been maintained) and doors are all original, I expect the ~2375 ft^2 building was averaging 300 - 400/month in heating costs.  

And if so, what is the cost associated with establishing/maintaining that account?

After I become a full time real estate investor I will try to roll that over into a self directed IRA.I think we should all invest in more than just real estate.  

I bought the house, I pay for the house, I maintain upkeep on the house, I'm the one who applied for the HELOC.

I will post pictures of the house in a new thread and keep up with the process of the rehab and will update when available all the way through renting out the unit (form the eyes of a first timer of course).Lessons learned through the offer process and closing:A good Title and Escrow company is a must.  

If the US can maintain dollar hegemony we will continue to be in the best position in this global collapse.

My lease says if utilities are not maintained then the lease is in violation.