Utilize resources like BiggerPockets and local investor groups to gather valuable insights and connections.

CJ BennettYou should continue to increase your cash and utilize your real estate investing skills to analyze market circumstances, rental property prospects, house hacking, and other investment tactics.

Went from $895.00 to an almost 50% increase in rent plus a $50.00 utility back and no new amenities.

So, you need to be prepared.Potential expenses to consider:Food, shelter, taxes, income taxes, fees, insurance, health insurance, medical emergencies, family, auto payments, auto insurance, utilities, cell phone, Internet, clothes, and pet care (if you have one).

The utility provider never contacted me about it so I didn’t know until they got evicted.

I prefer to utilize a broker lender because they generally have access to more unique loans, however I do know some BANKS or credit unions have inhouse portfolio programs available that don't exactly follow fed guidelines, which may also be good options. 

I'd argue that both HELOCs and CES have good utilization for both short/long term plays.

The MLS rental listings for surrounding quadplexes all show the utilities as tenant responsibility, including water.

Definitely will want to add insulation and all utilities depending on what your plans are for it .

Verify whether this is the case as you would first need to submit a utility plan.