You need to network, have your deal laid out that way your lender will feel confident that they will see the return on their money. good luck. 

DepreciationNo self employment tax on passive incomeYou get to write off your mileage, interest, taxes, and other expenses related to the investment property.

Alternately, partnering on longer-term real estate investments offers distinct tax benefits and greater returns, that the two of you might consider.If your dad has idle money in the bank, or perhaps in a tax-deferred or tax-free self-directed retirement plan, an 8% - 10% loan could make some sense, but not if he has to borrow the cash.Jeff S. – Private Lender in Los Angeles

Also, unless you use an electronic lockbox on the front door, you may want to use intelligent locks, which require Internet access, which requires power.No question that there are many reasons why you should turn on utilities, not the least of which would be to better understand how the plumbing and electrical is working given the property has been vacant for a while, but I can't think of one reason why you shouldn't, including the one about saving money, because I am fairly confident that not having utilities will end up costing you alot more than you might think.Best of luck on your project!

Does anyone have any recommendations for self help books that specifically teaches how to practice time management?

Why not buy out the interest of the estate and start the Administration process.You'll be self representing the estate yourself.

This is a general message mainly because you have given general information but build rapport with the seller as much as possibleand make sure they are confident of your execution to pay.

It never hurts to a quote, it may be low enough that u don’t want to do it your self.

I'm not certain how much self education you have done, but I would be reading every book and listening to every podcast I can.

If you are investing and trying to move from the left side of the quadrant as an employee or self employed to the right by being a home provider (investor), then year long tax planning should be a regular event for you.