Population growth is an easy measure of demand increasing.

There are fixed costs you won't be able to get away from utilities, insurance, etc and are typically stable year to year or with some measured growth.

However, without individual meters, accurately measuring usage for each unit could be challenging.

Granted MFH are more common in rougher parts of central jersey and my purchasing power can't acquire me something in North Jersey here homes are much more desirable when it comes to appreciation and schools and safety.

While the following rankings include a great deal of subjectivity, we use objective measures in our quest to create a hot list of where to search for your next vacation rental.

Sounds like an internal policy decision that you will never win, regardless of any reasonably prudent measures you take.

It makes sense they do that for safety reasons but how frustrating for you! 

I recommend to all my property management clients to institute RUBS/Sense etc, there's really great tools nowadays to put systems in place to measure these items, be it water or electric. 

There are no other safety concerns or visible signs of the fire left intact.

Also, put any repairs pointed out by the inspector into the following categories (by priority)1) Health & Safety - to avoid tenant injury and potential lawsuits2) Property Preservation - to stop further costlier damages3) Government Required - city inspection repairs & S84) Marketing Negative Impact - who'll rent a house with purple bedrooms?