Is there ways to help reduce those costs other than upgrading to energy efficient appliances in the future. i did see a mention of the Clean Reads program for water in the Cleveland area for more accurate measurements if anyone can help explain that a little more.

According to the website, "This incentive program offers homeowners optional financing, design, permitting, and construction support to build a new ADU in the City of Los Angeles.

Reading through online instructions and will contact bank again.

You need to discuss with some lenders as they are all different and have different programs requirements rates and terms.

Unless you're lucky enough to work for Keller-Williams or some of the other major brokerages with solid training processes, nobody is going to provide much help.There are some good training programs for new agents like YesMasters or the book "Your First 365 Days In Real Estate" or something similar.

Recently I have one that runs a great passive investment program out of Canada and is looking to expand into the US. 

I would check with the plan administrator for the particulars of your program.  

What are some good programs for CRM, lead generation, marketing and advertising?

There are programs available outside the banks that don't have employment verification of DTI requirements.

These simple meetings to network (no sales pitch/sell you the program).