I don't think they communicate a lot on meetup but they might list a FB group or other group platform you can join.  

Forgot to mention an entirely new high efficiency combi heating/hot water system with new baseboard throughout as well.

The main factors to consider are efficiency, expertise, communication skills, and fees.

@John Neff If you are interested in developing partnerships, perfecting communication skills or raising capital as I am, three books are top of mind and I don't think have been mentioned:Raising Capital for Real Estate by Hunter ThompsonFlip The Script and Pitch Anything by Oren KlaffOf course, as mentioned already "Never Split the Difference" by Chris Voss is a phenomenal book and The Book on Rental Property Investing by Brandon Turner is great for a new investor.Finally to take back your day as all this Real Estate Investing begins to occupy all your time: "Own the Day" by Marcus Aubrey is a great read.

Is there ways to help reduce those costs other than upgrading to energy efficient appliances in the future. i did see a mention of the Clean Reads program for water in the Cleveland area for more accurate measurements if anyone can help explain that a little more.

Our team can manage anything ranging from monthly/annual rentals to vacation rentals as well.Thins we handle include but not limited to: communication, accounting,check in / check out, repairs, payments, etc. 

Further, account might be made easier with software that can manage late payments, overdue, account and communications via email etc. 

Then communicate those expectations again when the job comes up (e.g.

I can do the paperwork, but it just costs too much to be efficient.

The fact that the tenant has not been living there, no utilities, no lease with the prior owner or me, and refusal to communicate with me further or give me any information sort of makes it a wild west situation.