(and of course it will have been used before it overflows)  My exposure to investment property is through REIT's only because I live in one of the outer boroughs of NYC and I see no point in spending a ridiculously high amount of money for a building that's going  to produce a ridiculously low cash flow (that's IF everyone paid and IF nothing broke- big IF's)  add to that gross over regulation along with moronic laws that give all the power to the tenant  and I can't see a reason for me, if I want to be able to sleep at night and have peace of mind, to own physical property. 

Average it out over 12 months and increase the rent plus 10% as "utilities included".It is preferred to spend the money to split the utilities and add second meters (hydro, water, gas) to be able to put utilities in the tenants names.

They are more cautious about spending your money on repairs and tend to shop more for good deals.

B- diving into REI for the possible returns, learning, the challenge and time spend in it?

My question for you is should I spend a small amount of money to put in a new meter (assume $600) and attempt to put water on my tenants?

However, if this is an indication of how you are thinking of conducting business, you may be spending that money from jail.I'm not trying to blast you out of the water. 

Donald Cressey is The Fraud Triangle: 1- A perceived unshareable financial need. 2- Perceived opportunity. 3- Rationalization.Financial pressures change in life, medical care for aging parents, a family member becomes ill, college costs, mid-life crisis, substance addictions and gambling, jealousy/feeling "owed" or wronged, social pressures to "get ahead"...The biggest losses are always where there are no checks & balances, no separation of duties, no policies and procedures in place. 

If you plan to spend six figures or more on a single transaction, it is best to go into it with the best knowledge and information to get the best deal possible.

Cards/gifts - it's just my opinion, but I think that a small business (up to 500K in revenue) should only spend marketing money on things that bring immediate results.

I don't see appreciation on my properties, but I have great cash flows and I don't have to spend $250k for a SFH.