Sounds similar to the excise tax we deal with here in WA (transfer taxes of 1.7% each time, essentially).  

But I always make sure I am prepared with the correct data and strategies, then it's a matter of telling a story and reading the audience.

Ask your bank if they have a problem transferring property from your name to an LLC name. 

Can I see your data and data collection parameters?  

If you transfer from your personal name into LLC?

Have them send you all those sales, they should be able to give you a link to the data so you can click on the listings, check them out on a map, and get a good feel of how it's looking. 

There are probably some folks on this forum who specialize in vacation rentals that may be able to lead you in the right direction to get this data.

Have the security deposit transfer to you at closing like normal.  

In this scenario, I am not sure if th delinquent taxes transfer to the new owner.  

I do agree, however, that if you can remedy this, you could potentially add value to the property (lower expenses means higher NOI means higher value at same market CAP rate).However, one thing to keep in mind: You can not expect to get the same rents once you transfer the utility expense to the tenants.