We are currently looking at duplexes with 4br 2ba, and it seems that historical utilities combined for these if the owner pays are in the neighborhood of 300-400$ a month.It definitely is a gamble in Northeast Ohio to take the time to install additional meters to pass on the fees to the tenant, but you are right that if it means I have to lower rents to compensate its a wash on income and a negative on the expense I accrued due to metering.

That's kinda my plan, and is certainly 'gambling'.....

Otherwise you're literally just gambling, not investing. 

Camelback ski area and adventure park is a very attractive draw. 

There may be other parties that have interest in the property, mortgages, liens, etc.Buying a property with these terms is gambling unless you've done your due diligence.

Land in our area doesn't come up very often, so its a gamble to just hold it and wait. 

These tend to be unsecured and/or to unsophisticated investors which, to me, is gambling.

You can find solid deals in this manner and you can always turn it over to an experienced property management.Wish you the best in your real estate adventures!

I've been self-employed since the age of 20 and Im 45 now, unfortunately that life adventure came to an abrupt halt due to my poor management making."

I'm a fan of any form of adventure on the road.Eric C.