I would connect with Amelia McGee of WIIRE who has multiple MTRs in the Cedar Rapids, Iowa area and can give advice based on the similar market.

I'd tell them the lease states they pay utilities and if they aren't happy with the situation, then they are welcome to give notice now and move out at the end of Feb with no penalty.going forward, include how the utilities are divided in the lease (eg 4 people living there, each pays 1/4 of the utilities).

Thank you for your advice, with my unique situation I'll need to find the right people to work with. 

I've been quoted Bamboo by multiple agents and online services, but I'm steering clear of that one. 

Even when I hear stories about investors that scale quickly, take on max leverage, partner up, etc. and get 28 doors in 2 years, it's either a situation where all details and context are not communicated (rich parents - for example) or it was a "just because something worked does not mean that it was a good idea" situation.You win the investing and real estate game by never being a forced buyer or forced seller and letting the compounding effect of time take over.

I doubt that's your situation. 

I have been doing plenty of research in short-term and mid-term rentals, but I am a little nervous with what I am seeing with a friend's situation.  

Hello everyone, I would like to ask you for advice about this puzzling situation.

I have a unique situation where an elder lady wants to gift me her house.

The warranty company takes its time accessing the situation, and then they tell you there is a deductible; they only cover so much that you need to use their preferred company, which will take three weeks.