I made a mistake: only called PG&E, not city for water.

What is the best method to basically cold call or write to a person who owns the vacant lot next to my rental house.

Are you going to be covering the cost of water/sewer/garbage?  

The utilities are placed in the tenants name (except for water) and I believe the government will assist them in paying that too.

theres city power but i think theres no city water so we'd have to drill a well and put in septic, too

How old is the roof and the water heaters ? 

Its not our primary area, however I do have a house on the water down there so I am there frequently and if I find the right deals I wouldn't be apposed to picking up something there as well.

IMO, If a realtor suggested a buyer not get an inspection in order to get a offer accepted and something came up, that realtor could be in hot water and for good reason. 

predominately owner occupied neighborhoods6. residential areas, no commercial or industrial7. public water and sewer, though wells and septics don't scare me8. 

When evaluating properties be sure to make sure they include the basics like: Real Estate Taxes Insurance Gas & Electric Water & Sewage Repairs & Maintenance Unit Turnover Contract Services General & Administrative Payroll & Benefits Marketing & Promotion Legal & Accounting Landscape & Snow Removal Trash Removal Management Fee Reserves for ReplacementsThese items at the very least should be included in any competent underwriting of a property, be it by a broker or the owner directly.