This allowed us to utilize the low down payment, ability to remove PMI after renovations/gaining equity, and not paying the upfront FHA premium.

I have looked into investing in Maine and the biggest challenge I found was many properties did not have tenants paying for utilities.

From what I can tell the fees per booking are high and they don't really cover much other than those extras if I don't like the actual combined utility of the calendar maintenance of airbnb and vrbo.  

Who pays what utility? 

I have not set up internet or any other utilities, as there have been no tenants living in the property since I closed in late February. 

I would try to get him to take possession earlier for a discount so at least you have utilities and etc out of your name and some money coming in earlier even if he doesn't fully move in earlier.

A PS the utilities were already ran when I bought the house + the day zoning was called was when I was digging for the patio.

They move out ASAP and they are responsible to maintain utilities and keep paying rent until you find a new tenant.

I would network with local investors to gauge their utility bills, pool maintenance, landscaping, cleaning costs...

You definitely don't need a maintenance person each time, you just need to have someone who can utilize chemicals and test strips.