This is the simplest method, but it also means your tenants are more likely to abuse the utilities by leaving windows open with the heat or A/C running, leaving lights on, ignoring the toilet that constantly flushes on its own, etc.3.

Do they really Flush UP (???)

The owners, especially when supplemented by rebates, are flushing money every day they don’t look into upgrades.

It is money flushed down the toilet if you do not take action.

Frankly, I'm a little gun-shy and doubting my skills to flush out a good PM with integrity. 

You had first better make sure this property actually has the potential to be a rental investment, most do not.From a business perspective if you do not prepare the property for tenants you will be flushing money down the drain.

Home Depot has the Niagra Stealth with a 0.8 gpf https://www.homedepot.com/p/Niagara-Stealth-2-Piece-0-8-GPF-Ultra-High-Efficiency-Single-Flush-Elongated-Toilet-Featuring-Stealth-Technology-in-White-77000WHAI1-N7714-N7717/205611735Additionally you could swap the shower heads for low flow ones.

Not a good sign as construction is booming so they should be flush.

Depending on how green or seasoned you are and you ability to flush out profitable opportunitues tgat your mentor closes on, you become more valuable. 

The losses took two years of running a profitable business and flushed them down the toilet.