Not only would you benefit from having a partner's input on the deal, but you would also have an experienced individual to work alongside with as you navigate the project.It's also important to make sure you have identified your "team" ie; contractors / realtors / lenders / insurance agents / title company / etc. 

I am not obliged to go with that specific local bank that the builder is recommending.

Specifically, I'm curious about the cost and process involved.I'm considering upgrading to a 400-amp service, which I believe could be divided into two 125-amp panels, one 100-amp panel, and one 50-amp panel or some other combination.

Those goals are very specific to my situation and not necessarily applicable to other investors. 

This involves assessing the investor’s financial situation, investment strategy, and the specific projects they wish to undertake.

I have experienced subletting working under some very restrictive and specific conditions.  

Berkadia, CBRE, Cushman all have capital markets teams that can help with loan products of this size.  

Here’s what I do with my rentals:I either have tenants split the utility bills or include a clause in the lease that states if the gas or water bill exceeds a specific amount ($X), the tenant will be responsible for the overage, provided there are no leaks or other infrastructure issues contributing to the high usage.To determine this $X amount:Water: I take the highest water bill I’ve had over the past year (excluding periods where leaks occurred) and add about $15 to account for small fluctuations or potential increases.Gas: For gas, I calculate the median bill during the winter (when usage is highest) and the median bill in the summer (when usage is typically lowest).

There are a lot of groups out there right now that had made-for-TV track records that will likely not be in business in a couple years.Focus on the experience of the team, how long they have been in the business, how many market cycles they’ve survived, their philosophy on leverage, and how many properties they bought in 2022/2023 (a good answer would be few, a great answer would be none).And do yourself a favor and read The Hands-Off Investor (in the BP bookstore) before you invest a single dollar in a syndication.

Are there specific strategies you’re implementing now to either safeguard your portfolio or take advantage of potential opportunities post-election?