I'd even pay a small fee for this.I don't charge for applications. 

It would be best if he calls the city and asks them to turn it in (although it is already on) in order to establish service for 2 reasons: (1) He's going to need to have the water on for the when the property gets inspected (banks won't loan unless everything is proven to be working) and (2) Right now the city could charge him with theft of water by turning the water back on himself (well, really the contractor did it but the city does not care). 

In God I trust , all others pay cash The 2 big mistakes contractors make is  charging too little , and not getting a large enough deposit .

They charge leasing fees even after the tenant they placed trashes the home and abandons it.

@Keila RosarioDeciding on market you want to invest in is first step..Finding a good realtor will point you on right direction w lenders.If you’re looking at a conventional loan expect to put down 20-25% down, if it’s a multi and you plan to House hack you might qualify for FHA loan and downpayment will be much less..

I own the home and the lot but do have a 15 year conventional mortgage on the property. 

An engineer's mind may need higher control over investment :))) let's check on the scenario of independent investing: with 40K down and conventional mortgage you could get a decent quality old duplex in the good location of Midwest. 

I think you can charge them rent. 

There was no max amount that could be charged over the years, or limit to how high or often the HOA fees could go.

I'm reviewing the terms of my 30-year fixed mortgage and the lender is charging me 6% interest.