Then hire an ODesk (or other support programmer) to normalize and put into a convenient form (I use a MySQL accessible DB).

If you don't, you need to keep a lid on things i.e. water saving toilets, landlord thermostats, keeping a close eye if tenants are having several other people live there, car washing services on premises, etc.In the end, it all depends on how it cash flows and your tolerance.

You may want to look into technology as well like new smart devices such as thermostat, lights and so on.

WelcomeMy education background - Associate and Business Administration degree in management computer systems (mgmt computer systems = programmer)I have over 15 years in corporate AmericaCurrently I plan to work on my Real Estate Broker license in the next yearMy 1st job was around age of 10 – sold homemade cookies with one of my cousins

My name is Chris Schmid and I am an IT professional (programmer/data analyst) from Omaha, Nebraska.

I would offer to do it myself but I'm a .net programmer not a rails developer :)

There are a lot of different factors on how the supply lines are run but home depot sells an electric pipe wrap with a thermostat on it. 

Any ol' programmer or business kid used to be able to form a start up and get it funded and use this is afford expensive housing and hire those who can.

I have heard people on these forums talk about using the Nest thermostat to set a maximum low + high temperature, to keep guests from blasting the a/c or accidentally bumping the heat up to 98. 

Also get the newer programmable thermostat it makes a difference