Problem making an offer on an REO

[Dave Versch]

Hi. I'm considering making an offer on my first REO. I'm having a contractor come out to take a look and give me an estimate of what it would take to get the CO and make it tenant-ready. If the numbers are reasonable, I'm planning on making the offer. Once we're under contract, I'll have an inspector look at it also. The problem is that the water, gas, and electricity are all shut off. The listing agent doesn't seem to know what she's doing, because she's telling me that the bank won't have the utilities turned on. She says she's already tried with a prior interested party. Obviously I need to know what shape the furnace, water heater, plumbing, and electric are in before taking the plunge, which can't be tested if everything to the house is shut off. What are my options, and how do I execute them? The property is located in NJ if that matters.