Activities such as appealing assessed values, shopping for cheaper utility providers, shopping for cheaper insurance, or even energy efficiency upgrades are all on the table.

See if you can talk to the utility provider to get an estimate for the last 2-5 years of usage for the building. 

Private money lenders like RCN Capital, Conventus etc provides non-recourse bridges nationwide.

The leading 3rd party management platform "East Storage Solutions" provides services that make it easy to lease out vacant units.

Since I've never dealt with previous tenants, I'm looking for some advice on the best way to move forward...Unit 1:- Studio Apt- I did a walkthrough last week and spoke to the tenant; he mentioned the only issues he's had in the past year and half is that the cold comes through the windows- He and the owner both confirmed that the tenant is month to month and paying $750, but so far the owner has not provided a lease.- The owner did provide proof of payment, and rent is confirmed $750, but always a few days late...Unit 2:- 1 BR- There was a language barrier, she didn't speak english, and I think she was afraid to open the door so I didn't get to tour it.

Appraisers would do on-line and see the business website.

A pretty slick website but from my initial view on returns in Multifamily low 4% seems on the low end.

You can find them on meetup.com, here on BP, or on the Straight Up Chicago Investor's Podcast website for your area. https://www.straightupchicagoinvestor.com/

Build relationships and provide value!

Controlling this moisture is 100% best done when the house is being built, so if the builder or homeowner never intended or cared that it be finished, and didn't seal the basement and provide for toe drainage, everything you do is going to be combatting that issue.