That sounds bananas expensive, especially if they havent found anything yet... let me check some of my transactions, I feel like the cost should be more like 1500 to 3000, will wrap back around to this

Hey Kyle, I moved to Columbus a few years ago (from Portland, Oregon which was super expensive) to become a full time real estate investor, and ever since, I've completed quite a lot of BRRRRs, flips, and own a successful rental portfolio here in Columbus Ohio.

The down payment plus closing costs, expenses to make the property rent ready, travel back and forth (do not purchase a property in a market that you have not visited and/or do not plan to visit pre and post purchase), and the required cash reserves puts your realistic purchase price around $150k. 

All 11 were new construction with 8 being SFRs, 1 duplex, and 2 quads that produce an annual income of around $250K a year after all expenses. 

The first approved applicant is offered the rental and I give them 24 hours to pay the deposit and sign the agreement.

You can charge your tenants back or pay for the metering company to charge them for you.

Major remodels generally don't pay back in value unless the comps in the area have certain features. 

I also wouldn't consider that part of my investment because I'm actually not taking money out of my pocket to pay it down. 

I would like to know what my options are to make sure tenants in a duplex are actually paying their water bills.

I have The same thing going on with direct burial with house built-in the 70s and they're telling me I have to pay for trenching conduit at cable.