Once you jump into multi-family, including duplexes, you're going to start running into more questions like who's paying what utilities, who is taking care of lawn or snow removal, etc.

I'm assuming I should call now to get the utilities(water/sewer) in my company name with an expected start date.

If possible get one on town water and sewer, underground utilities and paved roads.Check out the Start Here page http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthereLocate and attend 3 different local REIA club meetings great place to meet people gather resources and info.

,I see a lot of listed properties that have one or more utilities in common.There was one in Caldwell that had Electricity shared between 2 units, and a lot of them have either water or gas shared between one or all units.Anyone have any experience in separating out utilities(Electricity OR Water OR Gas)?

It was listed at 169,000 and we got it under contract for 157250 with 3,000 back for closing.It's a 3 BR, 2 BR single family w/ a partially finished basement.One of my exit strategies since I must live in home for 5 years in order to not have to repay the 20,000 grant - is to rent out then3 brs up stairs with private bathroom, and full house access for 1,000.I test posted an ad on Craigslist as was getting 1 person a day interested in it.I would live in furnished basement and after 5 years and 20,000-30,000 of mortgage paid down by the renters - hopefully sell for the market value or hold for my rental portfolio I am starting.It was hard to use the calculators for this because I was renting and living but I calculated 1400 expenses including 5capex   5% vacancy full landlord utilities and all that jazz.Seems like it would still cash flow $100 if you could rent it out for 1600-and break even for 1500.But I was more or less thinking of getting some instant squirt to pull out later in 5 years after sale or just in general to use for more deals.Also wholesalers in Rhode Island I am looking for you.

I utilize a SD 401k, my partner utilizes a SDIRA and I have several clients that have these types of accounts as well.  

Can the cost to install a submeter for utilities be tax deductible?

It just gets complicated with charging water as a utility.

You will have the hassle and STILL sponsor utilities while it is not expected for this property type.

I am also assuming that the utilities they are speaking of is water/sewer.