So as owner of the lot he would have no responsibility, perhaps other than to allow the tenant or utility owner to make repairs at their own expense due to an easement. 

You don't have to worry about exterior maintenance, mowing, exterior insurance, roofs, and possibly utilities.

If you can utilize one or all of these comfortably it will help a lot.2.

Also, at least here, it would depend on how they were built-for separate fee simple units, they would have to have separate utilities, not crossing the common property line, otherwise they would have to be condominium ownership if divided.

Are there any utilities that you have to pay?

Hi Ben, I've lived in Toledo all my life...can't say it's anything unusual that makes jobs and renters, we have strong manufacturing with obvious ties to the automotive industry (Dana corp- parts supplier, Jeep- manufacturer, Owens Corning- insulation/bldg materials, Anderson's- agriculture/fertilizer, First Solar) Like any area we have some $250k and up neighborhoods with little crime and great schools...and some seedier areas where you will read about gang shootings about once a week.

A couple thingsNot sure if NC has this, but in MI the utility companies have landlord programs.

You can have multiple gas meters installed so that each tenant pays their own utility bills.

Consider utilizing a corporation and a 401k for matching contributions to decrease some of that taxable income.

I haven't read any of the materials by this author, he may be fantastic and have very good techniques, so my comments are not directed at him as to any claim, I'd have to hear that for myself