We RARELY have a tenant leave because of the heat, because you can/should adjust the asking rent to allow for the extra expense.That being said, we have purchased dozens of long-term buy/holds with electric heat. 

Also, you will be leaving the area.   

This would allow me to put 20% down and leave me with a decent emergency fund. 

You will find that there are students who do not make it in school for what ever reason and have to leave mid year.

Things like televisions, home theater equipment and stereos actually run in “standby” mode when you leave them plugged in, and they can draw as much energy as a 100-watt light bulb.

If I ask them to fix the leaks and they say no, aren't we just back where we were or does that actually enable then to leave the deal?

Can they pickup and move leaving me with tenant who isnt the one paying the bills? 

All a real estate agent will do for you is make you feel good about buying and leave you hanging when the purchase is over.Where to find a real estate investor.  

I would like to buy something that I can live in for the year and then rent out once I leave. 

That way either they pay or they leave themselves?