Is it best to simply increase rent by a fixed amount (e.g., $700) to cover this, or are there other strategies for handling utilities in this situation?

I have partnered with individuals on fix and flips but my goal for 2025 is to buy my first LTR.

I feel it would be easier to manage multi-family properties unless I would get into fix and flips.

Here is some key information:Property recently hit the market and has 2 cash offers alreadyThe seller provided a pre-inspection report, which I shared with 2 different lenders, both think it may fail conventional financing due to potential structural and electrical issues (realtor thinks it could pass conventional)Seller has 100% equity but is behind on other payments (not sure of the urgency money is needed)This is my first attempt at an “investment” property so I’m new to thisI see 3 optionsMove forward with an offer using conventional loan pre-qualification-Not as attractive of an offer to the seller-Possibility that appraiser calls out structural/electrical issues that need to be fixed before closing, effectively causing financing to fail- Best terms and fewest loan fees for meUse a rehab style loan such as ChoiceRenovation-Even less attractive than a conventional offer to seller, but less risk of failed financing if appraiser calls out issues-Slightly worse fees and interest rates compared to conventional-Lenders tell me possibly up to 60-90 days closing in some cases, with red-tape for contractor requirements and draw schedules (sounds like the most hoops to jump through during rehab)Use a hard money lender-Most attractive loan option I can give to seller so I can compete-Much higher fees and interest rate for me-need to refinance into a conventional at the end of rehab (not familiar with seasoning periods but I think this is a factor as well)Which option would you do?

 - prop 13 basically fixes the property tax.  

The gurus and seminars often draw people who are broke or unhappy with their lives, and are looking for an easy fix.

We do fix/replace things just not these ice makers.

First, estimate what the renovation would cost, how long it would take, and how much extra you could potentially sell the property for once it’s fixed up.

Investment Info:Single-family residence fix & flip investment.

As many have mentioned, most fix-and-flip loans allow lenders to fund up to 90% of the purchase price and 100% of the rehab costs, but they typically won’t exceed 75% of the ARV.However, If you're not including a rehab budget, lenders often cap the loan at around 70% of the purchase price, which might explain the situation you're encountering.It’s generally more advantageous to include a portion of the rehab budget in the loan.