If the utilities are being passed through to tenants in some express way (say, through the leases, etc) then you likely have a tough fight on your hands.  

It's tough to find properties now where that is the case....possible, but not always easy. 

However, I will warn you the MHP market here is a very tough one to crack. 

Forbes Advice: “Property management is tough business and isn’t usually the main revenue stream for turnkey providers.

The fact that you paid 2/3 of the contract amount is tough.

Unsure if Tough Love or Tough Crowd, but kinda blaming the victim here aren't we?

Greater Boston can be a tough market but it seems like you have pretty reasonable expectations.

If this was a standard rental process then yes, I'd recommend going through the process of applications/screening steps, a background check, and then require the deposit; since it sounds like the house is being rented to transient workers though, the very nature of the work situation calls for a bit more flexibility on the renting end.

I'm ready for the tough challenges ahead but am excited for the opportunity to learn more about real estate, building a business, and in the process discover a thing or two about myself.

Commercial loans lower than $300k is tough.