(Gas, water, electric)While I don’t feel comfortable going the same route in the case they would take advantage of high heat or lights on 24/7.I want to have them pay for utilities, looking around online and even a few rentals in the area, it seems like it’s common to have the landlord pay for water.

The market in Flathead County is really heated right now and would ideal for flips or development.

I'm very familiar with the appraisal process but I haven't ever seen the "above grade living area" before and instead just seen the "heated living area."

Cash offers are likely to be favored more as sellers know the buyer can close in such a heated market.

but those were ground mounted units and current replacement is roof mounted which I think means the heat is handled differently )I don’t really like the idea of an installment sale, it feels a lot like just collecting rent except in the end I lose the property. 

Crime is only an issue in the inner city - which of course is 1000% of the cheap deals, the majority of Milwaukee is at least fine.New style duplexes (1960s) are generally easier and less expensive to work on; the basement is made of cinderblock, you have drain tile and a sump pump, modern style electrical and plumbing systems, forced air with AC instead of radiant boiler heat, more closet space and bigger bedrooms/open-er concept.

What elements?  

The inspection was conducted and there were a few minor items that need to be addressed; however, the main concern that I noticed from the inspection is the age of the heating and cooling systems for each unit (all are functioning properly).  

Recently, because I do not enjoy my job (delivering mail in Florida heat with no AC in a mail truck hotter than an oven) I started looking into real estate again. 

Plus, I don't have to worry (at least as much) about calls in the dead of winter or summer about no heat or no cooling calls.