I have tried to keep a policy on here of holding comments until I have given our customer the chance to speak with me directly as long as I can verify their comments and point of view are not contrary to the facts. 

For two months of the "dead period" (see below), I will also pay utilities of $200 per month - that is, $400.My total investment in the house is as follows: $16,000 {20% downpayment)+ $4,000 {closing costs}+ $5,000 {rehab costs}+ $6,600 {total payments of mortgage, taxes, and insurance for the first year}+ $400 {utilities for the period of holding costs}= $32,000.

Investment Info:Single-family residence buy & hold investment.

Also when evaluating old dilapidated houses they have often sat with no heat through cold seasons and these rigid metal pipes don't hold up to the forces of freezing water very well.

So, moot point if it’s a buy and hold, but improper notification could present a title issue during resale.

It seems that you're considering buy, hold and rent.

Investment Info:Small multi-family (2-4 units) buy & hold investment.

And for some people that's ok because they just want to hold and rent out or just hold for future appreciation. 

I like Texas, but the only thing that holds me back is the higher property taxes compared to North Carolina.1- Money: ok to spend 200-300K (prefer to put only 20-30% down) and invest in a couple of properties than buying one in cash2- Prefer cash flow (of course, appreciation would also be great)3-Prefer SFH over duplex just because with SFH (in a good neighborhood), I probably would have less headache and dramaHere are my questions:1- Which city do you invest in and why? 

This would be a hold property so time is definitely on our side, plus the property will cash flow 1k a month without the extra unit(s).