depending on the suburbs... i'm in a townhouse and they are supposed to shovel sidewalks after 3 inches of snow and they do plowing, grass, and leafs.. its 240 a month in assessments..
if your single I don't think you need a house.. start w/ something small and move up eventually..
my advice, from trying to break into the real estate appraisal biz.. don't go partners with anyone and fix up a place while living in it..
lotsa ruined friendships, accusations etc.. just my two cents