Personally, I provide my clients with trusted companies in each of these sectors that we've been working with for years, and even utilize personally. 

I plan to put a $600 utility cap in the lease.

Are there any strategies here to utilize bank funds for our project?

Another option would be to utilize a property manager to manage everything and keep a buffer between you and the tenants.

@Shmou N.ShmouYou can collect Rent and all other fees; Utilities, parking, or any other fee needed.We don't currently have a notification of the deposit but I will add it to our develoemt roadmap and you will see it in an update.

After watching some of the podcasts and reading posts I am set on starting my real estate journey utilizing the house hacking strategy.

It's been great - the property is 100% paid off and the house is worth 300-340k generating approx $2300/mo (that's after utilities/management fees etc.)I'm considering selling the property to buy 3 more within the same price range in the same market. 

You're marking the equities to most recent returns, the reality is a real estate investment to live in is a guaranteed rate of return and serves utility. 

Utility improvements.

all materials, all labor costs to others, Not you, utilities, interest payments, permits, licenses, auto/truck expenses, tools needed are all deductable.