Not sure how much that tells you, but might be better than nothing. also depends on the type of property if its a rental being sold then ya most realtors will have a good list of folks looking for a rental with teh right numbers if its owner occ this simply is not remotely possible unless its a certain school district or certain style of home.. 

However I am concerned about getting too burned...I have now had numerous dealing with the sis and I realize she is consumate liar and can't be trusted.thanks all for your quick feedback.would you sell to her and be rid of it - or try to fight those leases and win a sweet 3 family?

There is no win in this battle for you.

That sounds like a win to me.

If the room rents for $800 on it's own, but you could charge $450 per bed, then tenants win if they are on a budget and you make more money.

They've had a good relationship for the past 3 years so as a win win, they would move so he could sell the townhouse but he would lower rent a bit to $2,900 so it wasn't such a jump in rent.

Lastly, simply raising the rent to cover the water bill seems like the easiest, however, should their portion of the bill exceed the amount I increase their rent by, then it'd be out of my pocket.I'm kind of at a crossroads here with making a decision and want to hear anyone's experience regarding the topic.

Not disregarding wholesalers at all (I truly appreciate them and think they have a place in the market) but I feel yucky simply saying sell me your house for penny's on the dollar which is the primary reason for including the other options listed above.

They are simply a way for the broker to get an indication of your intentions.

I am going to throw this out there , investing is always a gamble , you dont always win .