Multifamily income vs. expenses

[Anthony Bauman]

Hi!

I'm 19 and new to real estate. I was thinking about investing in a multifamily house in New Jersey or Chicago but I found myself with a few questions and I was wondering if anyone could help me :)

I was looking for a triplex or a fourplex, but I'm not quite sure about what my expenses will be. I know that I'll have property taxes, insurance, maintenance, utilities (energy, water). My first question is: in utilities, since I'm not living in this property, why would I have to pay for energy or water?

Another one would be: since I have the money and don't need a loan, mortgage it's not in my expenses, but will be more profitable to buy a triplex or fourplex now and enjoy not having to pay mortgage or use this money as a down payment to a bigger property with more units?