So during the option period and i am collecting rents from both units, I'm pretty much a landlord because utilities will have to stay in my name because the duplex has one electrical service and heating boiler.  

If a tenant 'disappears', it's usually because of financial issues and that they have already been served disconnect notices by the utility company and once power and heat get turned off, they figure that the game is over and move out, leaving a mess and broken pipes behind (especially in the freezing winter temps).  

Charlene McNamara it totally depends on what the tenants set their heat at.

Today we’re sitting in a heated house taking shelter from the wind.

Today we’re sitting in a heated house taking shelter from the wind.

I have no mortgage on the property and it generates about a $6k surplus each year.When my current tenant moves out, I'll have to re-carpet and re-paint, maybe renovate kitchen.My question is, since all the appliances are original (and still in good working order), when this tenant moves out and I do my renovations (mentioned above) should I sell it before some of the expensive things start breaking down (a new heat pump will run me about $6,000) or re-rent it?

But when I say full gut and rehab I'm talking: taring everything down to the studs, updating plumbing and electrical throughout, probably upgrading the panel, adding duct work for heating and cooling, new mechanicals (boiler, A/C, etc) , hardwood floors, new kitchen, new dry wall and insulation, paint, finish work, etc.

I am going to put an offer on a bank owned REO, but the issue is that all the utilities, i.e. heat, water and electricity have been shut off.

Circle the dryer, on high heat, above the spot.

Most of the people use heat treatment, as steam cleaning process can work to kill off various types of fleas and other infestation in the house also.But, make sure to make a good plan to get rid of fleas.