Anything you install will be less robust than a utility provided meter which I believe have a list of legal protections regarding tampering.

Taking advice from experienced investors or real estate professionals can provide insights and guidance specific to your situation and local market.Good luck!

If you watch the zooms, use the resources they provide, and become part in the community, it would be very hard to fail.

@Marius FleischerYou will have 50% of people tell you that you should invest there and 50% say otherwise or provide areas they feel are betterEach area has positives and negatives - my recommendation is to visit each of these areas then shortlist them and continue to figure out where to invest

We usually run background through a service like smartmove or keycheck or a couple others.

Also would come with the stress of a loan, and debt servicing.

Starting with a conversation with a few lenders or a mortgage broker can provide you with a clear picture of what you're qualified for.

Can't buy as often here in San Diego but 1 door here is worth 10-20 doors in the markets that I was investing and growing more wealth with less doors is more preferable and provides for less expenses among other issues.House hacking in San Diego is the best way to get started with investing locally and it will have an immense impact on your financial future and net worth in the long term.   

This happened to me once with the online rent collection service I use. 

However, it does provide a foundational understanding that surpasses what the average person knows about the industry.