This way they are more mindful about usage and the bill doesn't fall to you..I would reach out to the tenant and explain the spiked usage and see if you can schedule someone from your water company to come assess where that monster number may be coming from. 

The engineer comes into to play to ensure your design can be structurally built, make sure it falls within code, etc.

Other investors have told me: buy close to the $200,000 price point because property values are unlikely to take a huge drop (not as far to fall) unlike buying a $400,000 (or more) property but buying the more expensive property you'll less likely have tenant management issues (e.g. someone paying $2500 in rent will less likely destroy your property than someone paying $800 to $1000 rent). 

There seem to be quite a few attorneys who just fill out the paperwork and let the chips fall where they may.

However add an addendum that you are using financing first and if the financing falls through because you are unable to achieve it, you'll still purchase the home cash. 

We've mainly purchased towards the end of the "season" in late fall/ early winter and offered 20% down, quick closes, waived inspections, etc. 

I am new to the community but am looking to make moves in the Traverse City, MI area this fall. 

The ONLY time we would make cosmetic repairs in an occupied unit, is in the event of a sudden, damaging incident...a broken pipe, major sewer backup, tree falling through the roof, car crashing into the wall, etc.

Many can be untrustworthy and fall short with communication. 

Sports cars will be one of the quickest to fall.