Tenants should pay  utilities - they're consuming those and landlords should 'inspect' what they expect on a quarterly basis and that includes verifying that utilities are current.  

City recently did a building inspection and we noticed the tenant is smoking in the unit (cigarettes and marijuana), food waste everywhere leading to building pest issues, and there are 5 people living there now (3 adults and 2 kids).

It was a big project in terms of the amount of work it needed, I just ran out of time with my lender going through the garbage with the contractor, finding a new one, and finishing taking the longest. other than that I would've let it sit on the market to get closer to what I actually wanted for the property.

I also handle any inspections needed before the opening of a site.

Here are some suggestions to help you secure funding and move closer to realizing your vision:1.

Quote from @Jeffrey Bourque: Hello All, I am new and this is my first attempt at purchasing a property with the intent to create monthly cash flow.The property: Triplex Listed at $140,000 - Total monthly rent income $2,150 - Tenants want to stay and are all willing to sign new leases for 3 years - 8 beds 5 baths and 3,500sqft livable space on a 4,800sqft lot - Heat and electric paid by tenants and water trash paid by owner $180 month - I have managed to talk the selling price down to $105,000 with a kick of $10,000 for closing and commissions so $115,000 all in - Building is in fairly good shape according to pictures and questions but have not done a inspection yet - some general maintenance repairs are needed according to the seller but nothing that seems to bother the tenants. - Taxes are on the higher side at $6,000 yearMy Numbers: $115,000 putting 20% of my money $23,000 and finance the rest with total expense of $1,834Monthly expense numbers: Future Maintenance 13% $273 - Vacancy 5% $105 - Property Insurance 5% $105 - Property Taxes 23% $500 - Property management 10% $215 - Office/Travel/Legal 4% $84 - Mortgage 26% $552 - Monthly Cash Flow - $316 per month or $3,792 per year so Cash on Cash = 17%I think this looks like it is a deal worth doing and I also believe I can bump the total rent up by $50 each tenant which I think make it even better.

The fresh perspective from someone outside of my network is crucial, that way my expectations can be closer to reality if I decide to reach out to new contacts for this opportunity. 

The latter means you can also do an inspection of the home and see how things are.

-why not pick a market closer to home? 

Have them start touring you around to inspect the work about !