There is also the risk that the power has been shut off and if the temps drop below 30s, the pipes could freeze.

Since it was political and they have the power, we had to play nice.

This is the first time this has happened, but thanks to the power of the internet, I am betting this is bound to start happening more and more.  

But for me, it served as a powerful lesson in how on-paper returns never tell the full story: real estate investing is just as much about the people as it is the numbers. 

Besides your taxes, insurance, and HOA your tenant will should be paying an have (water,gas,power) utilities in their name.

**I know word of mouth is a powerful tool, but how do you get your first ones when no one knows you?

You are in the position of power here and they did you wrong (not the reverse). 

A less expensive alternative, I think, might be to consider submetering the electric for the units off of the main power panel.

You’re probably already familiar with the power of commercial real estate.

In fact, we had to walk on a deal for this very reason, because the sellers had let the electricity be shut off, and the municipal power board wouldn't reconnect without a full electrical upgrade (wiring, panel, proper number of outlets, counter outlets, etc).