Learn electrical, learn plumbing, the basics!  

Seller wants to pay gas,electric, and water only.

Lastly, you have to take into account everyday repairs (toilets, appliances, electrical, etc...)So on paper, without knowing anything else, you will be in the red about $900 per month.  

Under 13-64-150 of the Chicago Code: All approved smoke detectors installed in buildings hereafter erected shall be permanently wired to the electrical service of each dwelling unit in accordance with the provisions of Chapters 14-8, 14-16 through 14-36 and 14-44 through 14-72* of the municipal code of Chicago.

You'll have to pay electric for the common areas, there may be holes or marks in the stairway walls that no one will fess up to, insurance will be higher too.Good luck and let us know how it goes!

The diy projects snowballed into my first job which was at LOWES, working in electrical and lumber.

After a quick search I found "American Water & Energy Savers" website.

As long as the house is mostly liveable, has working heat, electric, plumbing and a bathroom. 

However, it is need of some modernization(kitchen is 30 years old, plumbing and electric need updated, paint, etc). 

I've been paying for about 4 years and they've promised to repair/replace hvac, hot water heater, electrical outlets, pipes, sewer/water lines between the house and the street.