Here are MSA numbers for the last decade for Wake county for efficiencies, and 1-4 BR.

@James Bitakis Your real question has more to do with when and how much due diligence to perform prior to buying.If buying distressed assets at a liquidation sale such as a foreclosure auction at county courthouse, pro investors learn efficient ways to research title on each and every property prior to sale. 

Just wasn't sure if there was a more efficient way to do it since we are using our main LLC bank account to pay for everything (properties, mortgages, maintenance, etc). 

I can see the 30% savings if the hvac is high efficiency.    

9ft HIGH ceilings,live/work option, hardwood floors, ultra quiet sound reducing windows/walls, energy efficient, wall-to-wall carpet, granite counter tops w/custom maple cabinets, walking distance to BART & Estuary.$795,000 : Age is 8 years Build in 2008 Price per sqft $305.Unit 1: 3 Bed/2 Bath Rent 1950Unit 2: 3 Bed,2 Bath Rent 2300Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or just friendly advice, Thanks.

If they are supported correctly and the outside is done right , (good roof, vinyl sided, thermal windows in cold areas) the inside can be reasonably nice for not a lot of money. 

Right now, the cheapest kind you can buy are 80% efficient. 

It can overwhelm you quickly and clutter hurts efficiency.

Be willing to get creative to save deals when you can.Managing remotely takes efficiency.  

I may reconsider in the future.Also, I took measures when I first acquired the property to make the units more efficient, such as installing dual-pane windows and coating the roofs with white reflective elastomeric paint, and in one unit I replaced an A/C with a swamp cooler.