Short sale - how to check to see if there are no plumbing issues

[Syed Khan]

Hi Everyone,

If a property is owned by the bank (short sale), how do you even check to see if there are no plumbing issues or electrical without turning them on? Should I go ahead and pay for it to make sure there are no major plumbing/electrical issues? 

Does this apply for flipping houses as well, when the utilities are turned off?

How much does it usually cost to get the utilities up and running?

Thanks in advance!