Pouring environmentally-safe anti-freeze down the drains and in toilet bowls and tanks can keep water remaining in the P-traps from freezing as well.I do want to commend you for having your neighbors check on the property. 

We need to be aware of the safety issues regarding the products we use in our industry as health issues from environmental causes effect not just our investment but our livelyhood

If sewer and water services are not available you will also need to meet with environmental health regarding testing needed to allow for lot split.

Being someone who had worked for an Electric Company for 8 years and hearing this complaint a lot, a high light bill would be due to the following reasons:Anything that generates heat or cold air (heating elements, cooling elements) creates a high utility bill. 

Here are some steps to get started.Step 1) Develop your Business Model (Who is your ideal seller, buyer, neighborhoods, etc)Step 2) Build a Team (Leverage their experience, Realtor, Attorney, Contractors, Surveyor, Home Inspector, Environmental Contractor, Architect, Structural Engineer, Stage, Photographer, Title Company, etc)Step 3) Understand your market like the back of your hand (Have a Realtor set you up on HOT SHEETS so you get automatic listings sent to your inbox and you can start getting a pulse on the market)Step 3) Find a Deal (Package the deal and show supporting evidence that it's a good deal, get an appraisal if you have to) Include the following: Company Bio w/ your team members on it, Property Details, Property Tax Card, Scope of Work, Pictures/Video, Comparables, Financial Analysis, Due Diligence Items, and Contact Information.Step 4) Find Private Lender Prospects- Sphere of influence, networking events, ask for referrals, ask CPA, ask attorney, etc.

For what it's worth, an adverse possessor is said to be fee title owner if they have satisfied ALL elements, even if they have have not perfected title (yet) via QTA.This means that they can have you removed should you attempt to "squat on their squat" and I have done this, even in LA county eviction court!

I am however stuck on a geographical element of my property search process. 

I have a property that i am interested in and have investors that would qualify easily. would someone tell me the elements ofputting together a financial package to present to a lender?

I believe that an investor should take all of these elements into consideration before making a decision.Just my two cents.

Stairways being a major focal element in many a home, the hacks dont last long.