Is it best to simply increase rent by a fixed amount (e.g., $700) to cover this, or are there other strategies for handling utilities in this situation?

However that data is not necessarily worth a damn.

However, chances of making a mistake or overlooking an opportunity to save are higher when it comes to rentals.The dilemma is whether it's worth paying a professional in this case.

When getting new tenants I've found the increase to be much more. 

I lost over 4 months worth of time in deal, $2,425 inspection fees but hoping for refund of $450 back from the inspector.

You can add different ways to reach out to improve your conversion for owners you are hitting or you can increase the amount you are sending. 

Then you can buy a few books if you want but most of the information is here.There are thousands of people here who have shared libraries worth of information for free.You can get a phd in real estate right here if you read all the forums.

HELOC Basics:A revolving credit line secured by your home’s equityLow interest rates, but often variableDraw period (5-10 years) → Repayment period (10-20 years)✅ Pros: Lower interest than other loans, flexible access to funds, potential tax benefits⚠ Cons: Home is collateral, payments may increase, short repayment termWhen It Makes Sense:The rental property cash flows enough to cover HELOC paymentsYou borrow conservatively (avoid over-leveraging)You have a backup plan in case of market shiftsSafer Alternatives:Save a larger down paymentConsider seller financingPartner with another investorFinal ThoughtsWith your timeline set for November 2025, take time to research markets, build connections, and plan financing wisely.📌 Key Takeaways:Out-of-state investing can work but requires a solid local team.Use online tools like BiggerPockets, Rentometer, and Roofstock for analysis.A HELOC can help, but be mindful of risks and repayment terms.

The article is based on # of sales, not price increase or decrease.

@Annwar MataniA few comments that I don't think have been mentioned among all of the replies that are worth considering:1.