At least you have a rehabbed unit and have collected most of the funds owed you.It is worth noting that your friend might not be able to get utilities in her name, if she has poor credit.  

I ultimately ended up purchasing closer to home (utilizing parameters advised here). 

Perhaps it wants to win PR points with the local water utility.

This way the funds can be applied to unpaid rent, utilities, cleaning, and repairs regardless of what caused the expense.

Know what you are required to pay above and beyond your bid like taxes, utility liens, buyers premiums, etc.

I've been in the action sports world my entire life, emergency medicine requires extremely rapid cost/benefit analysis and living with the decisions.

Personally, I've never heard of paying utility bills one time during the year.

We estimate it is going to cost about $1,800 - $2,000 mo. all in to run it, including mortgage (PITI), repairs, HOA, Utilities, etc.

With the exception of taxes and utility liens as a general rule.

Here in VT, if someone moved out in the middle of winter and it took me three months to get a replacement, that tenant still owes me three months rent, plus utilities to keep the place heated.Obviously if you don't want another tenant, well then it worked out pretty well for you!