The utilities office says I have to pay to take out the old lines for safety reasons when not building again for 2 - 5 years.Alternatively, if I rebuild with:-excavating out the old foundation-putting in a new & larger foundation-starting right after the demolition is over…then do I have to pay to rip out all the old utility lines AND install brand new lines to the new home?

I think working in the industry for an established name is a key way to learn with a safety net (acquisitions, portfolio management, being a PM, etc.), @Jeremy Ramey I find the best opportunities are presented making small talk about my REI goals with peers, family, and just about anyone I run into.

Being successful in real estate long-term often involves being well capitalized and having high safety margins between incoming rents and outgoing expenses, so the bigger the margins are the less risk you have. 

@Sawyer Smith I have always wondered if there was any way to make a lease require a certain basic standard of health safety... but I’m told pretty much “no” by most pros...

You can be our safety net, correct??

Just a little added safety  I guess  

You either have to be patient or ready to overpay a bit and play the appreciation game.Everyone's different, but I'm a big proponent of making that first deal an easy win.

Gotta be patient now or find alternate means!

If the power company disconnected for safety reasons or a permitting issue, it could be more of a red flag. 

Ask the County/City Fire Department or Health Department to do a safety check.