The more complex aspects include circumnavigating the security measures intended to prevent scraping from occurring.

Regardless, this left me with limited options. 

.- If you have limited reserves or funds to invest and need a full-time job, that is different. 

Is there a device that I could hook into the box to measure all the electric used by the apartment and house and then just charge them or should I just eat the electric and push the rent up a little?

Condos for instance will charge HOA fees, limiting your net cash-flow.A PM will run 14-16%+ as they charge a month's rent to place a tenant, take an extra month to turn a unit and charge you premiums and overrides for the work.  

That will protect you (to a limit) if you are ever sued.  

Too many might raise a read flag, but a business meal for a business purpose is not limited to they type of business relationship.

My eventual plan once I have enough capital raised for another downpayment would be to get another place and would only paydown the mortgage if the lenders say my debt to income ratio is too high.Your strategy should depend on your risk tolerance - everyone will have a different limit for the amount of risk to reward they are willing to take on.

Also income from the other units would be considered.Given what you are saying, you are likely working with limited income, so rate is going to be critical for you.

If not, as a conservative measure, you can use the land/building value split used by your tax assessor as the first step.