I'm just applying the 50% rule that says 50% of gross scheduled rents will go to vacancy, expenses (taxes, insurance, routine maintenance, make ready costs, tenant damage in excess of deposits, utilities at least when its vacant, CPA fees, legal fees) and capital (roofs, floors, appliances, furnaces, sewer lines, etc.)

Most conventional lenders will want utilities on.

That experience is what can save you $$ on the budget and insure a good job.To find the right person it is so important to establish the relationship before trying to enforce terms.It is best to find a contractor through referral, but at a minimum one who has a list of testimonials from clients for whom he did what you want him to do.

I would work on establishing credit and create a nice "nest egg" of savings.

The park has been returning just over 20% on my investment after expenses.Real Estate Goals 1) Fix and flip 6 SFR's/year with cash. 2) Buy and hold as many SFR rental properties as possible using leveraged(bank) money. 3) Buy and hold at least one MDU (leveraged) 4) Partner with others on spec builds in 'hot' Austin zip codes.Currently Seeking Properties to F&F Properties to B&H Equity partnership on Spec builds in Austin (78702 and others) Establishing a relationship with local Mortgage Broker for B&H's.

We're planning to "buy and hold" and tenents will be making payments to the LLC.QUESTION: Would these payments benefit the LLC as establishing business credit for future loan in the LLC name?

Finally, make sure that your utilities are split on multi-families.

This works well because I've established a goal of purchasing one property per quarter.

You will have a bit higher costs with the 2 properties vs. 1, but this seems like a no brainer to me.Assuming you do get the appreciation in one and none in the other two, you're looking at about $1350 in appreciation each year that can only be utilized if you refinance (spend money for a new loan) or sell.

Typically your rent should cover everything like PITI, repair and maintenance, etc and your tenant pays for utilities.