Estimating Utility Costs

[Jeremy Salo]

Hey guys, just analyzing my first example STR/VR. I've read that in order to properly estimate utility costs for an area, one just has to call up the local departments. This might seem basic, but what questions should I be asking them? Do I give them the details of a property and they estimate it or do they just give an average? How do I get these estimates broken down by month? I live in mn, winters are long. Also, if anyone has any books on STR/VR I'd be happy to hear your favorite!