Is it best to simply increase rent by a fixed amount (e.g., $700) to cover this, or are there other strategies for handling utilities in this situation?

Especially now, I am seeing a lot of people who bought during or right after the COVID pandemic and are in situations where they simply cannot sell their homes for any profit (many of them bought as new construction).

EDIT: Can't delete this post, so simply editing it.

People lke you forget that Trumps deficits were in large part the result of that pesky thing called Covid that popped up during his administration.And the myth that tax cuts only benefit the wealthy are simply not true - their percentage of taxes paid actually went UP after the last tax cuts.https://nypost.com/2024/02/29/us-news/data-prove-it-the-trum...3) And giving the rich more money generally results in that 'trickle-down' effect, which the left denies, but in real-world experience actually is true.

It's simply overwhelmingly nuts. 

AS Much as anything most folks in RE in that area simply rely  totally on them ..

I have noticed a lot of investors are seeking out cities that are offering lower priced lots and simply adding a Modular or Manufactured and capturing a very nice cash flow.There is a new trend starting in Florida and in other states where an investor buys a piece of land or lot and add a 'Tiny Home". 

I'm not converting my properties I am simply dabbling in the S8 realm of things.

I'm not too hung up on this, because the margins still appear very attractive (from what the agent speculated ARV). my hesitancy stems from a lack of experience and direct steps/plan of action to take on a property I like. 

The property manager may have some interest in your success (if you get a good one) simply because they are making the most consistently - 1st months rent plus 10%/month.