So, if the added cost of the mortgage is less than the monthly savings, the owner/buyer is LOSING money if they don't build with energy efficiency. 

If you are able to find an investment whose previous owners were renting below market rents, it's an easy solution to raise rents to market.How Can I Affect Cap Rate?

The prior owner that my friend bought the house from had been using city water and sewer (and paying water/sewer bills) for 25 years.

Those expenses are passed onto each owner in special assessments or HOA fees.If you want a very hands off rental that you can manage yourself, maybe from a distance, Condos are a great option.Condos rent fast because they are usually newer and there is a lot of amenities that can't be found in apartments.

Hey BP,Im starting to put out offers looking for my first owner occupied duplex!

In Maryland, a Legal Agent is required if the Rental Property Owner resides outside the State of Maryland; including nearby D.C., Virginia.

So, have the mortgage note signed by the person whose credit I checked who is an agent (owner?)

@Paul Sassin Unfortunately, in Metro Detroit, for all cities but the City of Detroit, water bills are tied to the property, not the tenant.So, letting the water bill go to the property and trusting the tenant to pay it doesn't work - as you've found out.Many of the cities won't even turn water off for nonpayment:(Then if owner doesn't pay the past due water, the city sells the bill to the county (+ penalties & interest) and the county puts it on the property taxes.PM us and we can tell you a MUCH better way to handle water bills:)

Hello landlords,I reside in an owner-occupied duplex and am considering including internet as one of the amenities.

By definition a lessee/tenant isn't an owner.