For example there are 3 or 4 major utility companies just inside of Fayetteville and it seems like each property has a different structure/utility company.Other expenses = major capex (roofs, plumbing, flooring etc go bad eventually so I would save a monthly amount in a separate account for when these happen). 

We replaced a lower roof and checked potential plumbing issues.

Properly sized domestic HVAC systems are designed to maintain a 20 degree difference between the indoor and outdoor air, but even that has limits.With an OAT (Outdoor Air Temp) of 114, the lowest indoor temp one can reasonably expect is 94.One can reasonably expect climate change to have an impact on sizing guidelines going forward.My $0.02 ...

Yeah exactly or plumbing, any home services for that matter. 

My family has made quite some renovations in our apartment and can help with the basics, like flooring, walls, and some plumbing, and we have the tolls for that, but for the roofing situation we need someone who knows their stuff.I still need to obtain the blueprint of the whole attic and then scheme it out and dive into the fine details.

Find out if there is a wall with convenient access to plumbing drains. and if that area could work as a kitchen.

I do know that some of the supply houses are great for lighting/electrical/plumbing/HVAC/etc.

HVAC, roofing, foundation, plumbing, electrical are all mechanical items which would sway a deal. 

Kohler products can be purchased at Home Depot or any plumbing supply store.

We usually just build the bathroom on the other side of the current bathroom, then the plumbing is relativity simple assuming there is room.