I know a lot of people that do concrete work, flooring, sheetrock, plumbing/electrical, cabinets/tops, paint, etc. but I still need to get the units built. 

There are some differences for sure but I don't think they are substantial.3) What laws should I watch out for (for example am I allowed to have the water/electricity be under the tenant's name) - You can put all utilities in the tenant's name, but I would advise keeping water in your name since that utility is a lien on the house itself.

This includes raising a roof, running electrical and sewer, installing a bathroom and kitchen and finishing everything off.

You can add services and upsells the clients foot the bill for, like spa/massage/private chef rather than pouring more capital into the property.  

So he took the electric bill, the water bill, and the sewer bill each month and divided them by 15.

Flat roofs, old roof age, old electrical, cast iron plumbing and non impact openings will mean much higher premiums. 

Obviously they require electrical near by.

I also pay for utilities for two units since they are not on separate meters.My additional question is: can I/should I raise the rents the $75-100 I would like to, ask for a pet rent, possibly ask for a pet deposit, and then also charge a flat fee for utilities for the 2 units I pay electric and gas for?

Best thing for you to do is massage your past guests into returning on a direct book and make an extra 10 -15% without increasing occupancy.

We added value by installing new HVAC, roof, electrical, & much more!