Master meter utilities are the bane of any investors existence, unless you somehow figure out a system to monitor and/or control usage. 

Make sure to review the existing leases as you'll be obligated to those terms unless you have them sign a new lease.

Our plans have changed and we intend to split the property in half and build a new home on the new property, and rent out our existing home.

Just purchased a new property and can’t decide if I should raise the rent with the existing tenant.

If the condition of the property warrants it, raise the rent to market rates once the existing leases are up.

Granted it will end up being less expensive than if I would have just bought a cabin last October, but I can’t stop thinking about the $30-$50k of profit I would have already made if I would have just bought an existing cabin.

However it is unlikely someone needs you on their flipping team, unless you bring something to the table (construction knowledge, money, properties [that are not on MLS])  As for the short term rentals you found make sure you are aware of the patchwork of short term rental rules that exist in the various municipalities of the Coachella valley.

This situation exists whether the funds are personal or SD related and fall under the caveat emptor rule.You are correct that the whole point of these mechanisms is to serve us later in life, and they do that very well. 

Hello All,Im looking for opinions. I am purchasing a duplex, both leases have another 6 months left on them. The seller has verbally told me that both tenants are current on rent. I am doubtful due to the eviction ban...

My thought was that she was helping them place/rearrange their existing items....although, it seems like her service could be malleable.