On utilities, I bought a foreclosure in NJ and found out it was not attached to Town sewer and I actually had to extend the main line up to my property then put the lateral in and abandon an old cesspool.  

Tenant handles all utilities and lawncare.

Plus the challenge with mid term is you are generally on the hook for things like internet, utilities, etc.

But like you said talk about a ton of work.. and again I just don't see how an individual can pull this off unless they get very lucky .. and I mean VERY.. 

Utilizing empty lot space in this way helps to combat the increasing housing prices and limited supply many markets have been experiencing.

From experience with mechanical and utility issues in distressed properties, I would also wonder why the breakers were removed.

The land assessment value is on the tax assessor's site in every county, but that doesn't hold a ton of relevance in my opinion.

You need to work with a lender that will utilize STR 1007 Data and/or AirDNA Income on a REFI.Tough deal but we do this consistently.

I too live in Marin, and feel it is a solid long term market for apprecaition, and utilizing the power of principle reduction.When it comes to refinancing, figure out what the loan costs will be, then divide that buy the monthly savings with the new loan in order to determine how long you have to maintain that loan to break even. 

I would also try to minimize expenses through decreasing cleaning costs, installing smart tech like a thermostat to control utility costs, etc.5.