Even if landlord paid all utilities the gross should be 152,064 at Section 8.Asking price 299k/ last sold 2013 for 170k Any thoughts on what may be going on here?  

They are currently over valuing the park and it looks like the only way to get a good deal is to utilize a hard money lender in town and make a cash offer.

Tough to find houses, even distressed, that can be purchased at a deep enough discount to fix and flip for a decent profit and then the value of the properties have been rising so fast that it's tough to imagine the rate being sustainable to justify an appreciation play.

It seems like a sweet deal to purchase a house with a Rent to Own tenant as they pay for utilities, repair and maintenance - and I wouldn't need a property manager since I am out of state.

Do we have (state by state) benchmark utility cost data I can use to compare my bills to?

You can use a custodial account or if you wish to have more control special purpose LLC can be utilized to gain checkbook control and minimize custodian fees and eliminate their involvement in the investment. 

@Willie R.I agree with Account Closed that title companies in Texas utilize Texas lawyers.

It sustained water damage from a broken pipe in the kitchen last winter.

Have you utilized the BP Calculators to assess your rental business?

Where are your expenses for legal, advertising, janitorial, utilities, etc. ?