Here I'm thinking it'll be easier because there was literally a house there before and there's already electric, sewer, water and gas at the street to connect to. 

He didn't have time to come out for 2 weeks but said high consumption is almost always the HVAC or water heater. 

Some people want flash with hot tubs, pool tables, swimming pools, kayaks, and brand new.   

Is it common place to call the utility companies to get information on electric, gas, water and garbage pick up?

strictly read, the city of Austin requires a permit to spray foam insulate around an outdoor water hose bib...because it improves or repairs a structure.  

Other than that, there may or may not be a water main, sewer hookup, or electric at the site. 

So far, I've installed vertical blinds for the sliding glass doors, covered the lanai with mesh and added a whole-house water conditioner, which also includes the reverse osmosis system for the drinking water.What was the outcome?

There is also the exit when you sell the property if it's in a heavy student area you are may limit your selling pool to other investors.  

Limited resale pool, and most "cash buyers" actually use hard/private money and they typically don't want to lend in 55+ communities. 

The water heater, appliances, hvac systems have all been ripped out.