In our climate, as yours I assume, its definitely worth separating utilities.

In a rental I manage, we did see about a 40% higher rent for a furnished unit, but may see some higher vacancy periods and tenants probably expect more included (utilities, internet, etc), but agree it's something to consider.

How do you utilize an investment friendly agent?

When a tenant stops paying you, they stop paying those utilities and the bills add up fast.

They already are given their utility allowance on a debit card instead of via direct payments to the utility companies, and lo and behold, none of them magically ever have enough money to pay their utilities, but they have plenty to host parties drink smoke get llegal pets that trash the place far beyond what the security deposit covers...so I can't imagine how much money is getting pissed away in Florida.

Also utilities and sitework should be less as you do not need to bring in two electrical services, water services and run two sewer services and connection fees.

We would utilize our investment property in Puerto Rico as a second home or STR.

.- 12/13 the check of course bounces due to her putting a stop payment on the check- 12/13 I was notified that she turned off utilities on 12/12- 12/14 I provided her email stating I would be checking on the property on 12/15 (24 HR notice)- signed lease through August 2018- I have $1650 ($1350 rent and 300 pet deposit) in security deposits- upon checking on property I found that there are no items of value in my property and she had left all keys and garage door openers that I had originally provided her.

You don't budget for any utilities.

My concern is how to handle utility bills between two units without a disagreement.