My situation is unique in that my wife’s job gives us a place to live and they do not charge us rent or utilities.

I am not sure if it is something that contractors can estimate based on scope, material selection and others. 

I have been learning and researching about real estate investing for the last 2-3 years and have identified that I would like to utilize owner occupied multifamily units as my entry way into real estate investing.

Aside from the bulk discount pricing on material, savings on labor with dedicated professional, multi disciplined crews and the general passive nature of building safe investments and organic wealth is our rational and I am sure the rational of any established turn key provider.  

On the other, the lease they had prior to my purchase is much more like a residential lease than a commercial one, with me paying for a lot of maintenance and utilities that is not typical for commercial tenants.

Rather than paying it off quickly, you can utilize your extra monthly income to get more homes under contract.

He stated that all utilities "are included in the rent" which means he pays the utilities, correct?

I would recommend checking out some of @Scott Carson material.  

As I go through the material I would like to discuss it with you further.

That is worth more than the usual generic material on offer by 99% of the real estate coaches.