For example I would like to still advertise my rents to be lets say $600/month but also have that $25 surcharge in the lease for their utilities. 

So your going to hear a lot of different strategies on here however you have to find what works best for you and master it.You will hear all the Millionaire Real Estate Gurus say the #1 most important asset to have in this industry is being able to find deals.In my opinion the fastest way is "Door Knocking" just simply ask the homeowner directly have they thought about or thinking about selling their house period.

I was trying to find out if there is a more cost effective way to do so rather than utilizing the local notary at my UPS shop. 

If you include furniture, washer/dryer, and/or utilities in your rent payment, it is easier for the students and they (or their parents) are more than willing to pay the premium. 

She said she called the utility company and they can’t credit her and they advised her to contact the previous owner for credit.

@Matthew Paul - you are in the minority as I believe many homeowners would definitely prefer to have public utilities (as many of us don’t have backhoes) 

Recently leaving the military last June I can understand the need to invest and utilize every single resource the military gives us.

Of course I could have still passed 100% onto the tenants as they are the ones using the washers and dryers but isn't recouping utility costs part of the reason we go coin operated?

I have utilized property management websites, craigslist, Zillow Rentals, and AirBnb for prices as well as AirBnB for vacancy rates. 

The apartment industry is robbing these kids and we think we can do better by offering single family condos at a better price with a focus on converting them to long-term tenants.