Contact the utility provider and get a historical average based on the last year of use.

The place I used provide cost quote and estimated savings at no cost. 

The utility company doesn't manage your property...they provide paid services until they're not paid anymore. 

The sooner you start these conversations, the better prepared you'll be when the right deal comes along.Local professionals can also be an invaluable resource.

Provide them proof of your ability to find, fix, flip (or whatever strategy you plan to use), and then start with small amounts of their money.

The value of the info he provided cannot be understated.Residential RE is more challenging then a few years ago, but there are a lot of ways to make money in RE.  

You do not need to provide tax returns, W2s, paystubs, etc.

If it is someone you know you can give them a straight return as if its a loan - can provide a lower interest rate to provide upside - it really depends on the lender and what are they concerned with and what is their risk profile. 

However college kids or young professionals will most likely not care.In Danbury you have to look out for hidden gems.

If it's currently an STR they should be able to provide you with the p/l statement from prior years so you can see gross rents, operating expenses, average daily rates and occupancy levels.