You really need to check multiple sources to get an accurate gauge of what's appropriate for your specific property/area.Here's an article with a bunch of resources you can use to help get an idea of what your property's rent should be: How to Determine Fair Market Rent.

There is a deal available to us as we speak which I will get into shortly, but I feel it is unusual in the REI sense a would like to see if I can get some guidance on it.Where I am seeking help and/or advice here is in determining what to do first.

Does the rental contract determine if the Water, Sewer, Garbage bills   will be paid by the tenant?

I think you'd have to evaluate your own situation and make that determination. 

Pick the best of the horrible applications. 2month vacancies are not acceptable. 

I will pick up my 19th in a few days.

I've been here a year and it's been great, my neighbors are awesome, and I picked a quiet street.

That will determine the next step.

I pick a geothermal as opposed to the mini-split Charlie mentioned because you would not need to augment the system with oil or gas since they have the power to heat at sub zero temperatures. 

Brandon analyze that deal in Corpus Christi and determined it was a good deal.