They do have down payment money and we planning on house hacking a duplex to lower cost but I wanted to explore all options for grants, as I had been hearing about incentive programs from the government.

The biggest thing was gutting a 5 x5 bathroom and making it a 10 x 5 with all new appliances, paint, walls, etc.

I obviously plan to use/pay for their power, so there is some incentive for them.

I cant come back I cant pay 3 mil for a 1500 sq ft home in Palo Alto.. but sure is one of my biggest shoulda Woulda Coulda stories..  

As I look to purchase my first property, my fear and nerves are constantly keeping me from obtaining this milestone..with my biggest fear being estimating rehab costs initially.

If splitting the utilities end up being too expensive does anyone have some creative Ideas to incentives the renters to NOT run up the bills?

Most of the time, they will give you this information for free because it incentives you to do business with them.

Lessons I learned:Have a Balloon payment no more than 3 years awayCollect Down payment as it will give tenant incentive to keep paying and not walking away from the house.Have a higher interest rate like 8-10%Price higher than what it's worth as you will have to discount the note if you were to sell. 

From weather damage snow is the biggest issue it seems .

That $100/mo will give him a financial incentive to sign a new lease.Good luck