However our smaller communities are being left behind, our properties are not up to current building codes, roads & utility infrastructure are aging.

I would request they pay rent the usual way, and then you can decide whether or not you want to utilize the app in the future. 

Utilities.  

All-In Costs & Profitability-ARV: $450K-Purchase Price (financed): $170K-Repairs: $150K-Holding Costs & Financing: ~$20K–$30K (insurance, taxes, utilities, interest, etc.)

and also like what I do Utilize as STRs: You furnish and list these properties as short-term rentals (STRs) on platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb.Generate Cash Flow: The higher rental income from STRs, compared to long-term rentals, allows you to cover your mortgage/lease payments, generate positive cash flow, and potentially have funds left over for further investments.Positive Cash Flow: STRs often generate higher rental income than long-term rentals, allowing you to cover your costs and potentially profit.Tax Advantages: You can often deduct expenses related to your STR business, such as mortgage interest, property taxes, and maintenance costs.

Utilizing the many resources to analyze deals and help find investor friendly professionals in your area has helped me tremendously.  

I believe you can also utilize an independent savings account, but you should check with the bank to make sure.

My partner and I keep an excel spreadsheet of rent, our purchases, utilities, taxes, insurance, and money spent on contractors.

In almost all cases when investors first come to us we say utilize the conventional route as much as you can. 

It is a simple and effective way to make your HVAC utilize propane.