Advice on shared utilities in multiunit

[Dana Spencer]

I'm new to rentals and looking for my first. I found a multiunit that shares a single electricity box and water/sewer so the owner pays all utilities. Even with charging extra rent to accommodate the costs, it seems like a bad set up for a first income property. I ran the numbers pretty conservatively and the property would only cash flow an average of about $300 a month based on my down payment & last year's bills. Of course that would be less in the winter and more in the summer bc of heating. Anybody have experience dealing with a set up like this and any issues they've had with it? I'd really appreciate any advice!