I haven't reached out to a bank yet to understand how they view my wife's and my income. 

I do not wish to keep the tenants in place because I have already learned from the seller that they don't pay on time and when I viewed the house it was clear that they were not clean folks.

Finally, do not forget to take into consideration screening tenants and the management of them once you have them. 

@Troy Zsofka I agree there's some balance to be had when it comes to utility costs, but I think people could view it as an opportunity to lower their costs.

It will also make viewing houses easier.  

There were definitely  A LOT of headaches and challenges along the way (which I won't go into because this post is already too too long) - but after total tenant turnover in the first month, I've got all 4 units rented to properly screened tenants.  

Everyone has different  views on the subject. 

www.mrmoneymustache.comAs far as how to get ahead while working full time w/ a family AND trying to invest - this guys blog changed my ENTIRE view on things and actually was what launched me on my way financially.

@Don Meinkesounds as if they are "attempting" to look out for you from their point of view.

Its worth a view for IL.http://watsoninvested.com/wholesaling/In short don't offer "services" to the seller.