Pretty often no water, sewer, power or even roads to the property. 

Do they come through and try to justify their existence by pointing out small things for you to fix or is it pretty benign and they're just making sure you're not a slumlord?

Those are all pretty vague questions.

Here is a guide for our water company that walks you through it:  https://www.portland.gov/water/water-efficiency-programs/fin...I'm guessing it would be pretty similar for you, and if you determine that there is a leak by looking at the meter, then you may want to hire the leak detection company.As someone else pointed out, maybe just ask your tenants as well if any toilets are running or "ghost flushing" or if they have noticed any drips.Good luck!

In regard to the best interest rates, the market is pretty fragmented so it's best to check around wherever you are looking to establish your foot print. 

Pretty normal numbers for low income duplexes in Cleveland.

My understanding is you can use it to try and borrow for pretty much anything. 

That sounds pretty straightforward and we've got something similar here too and it's not bad. 

I'm at the point of considering an HEA or HEI, which will provide some short term relief, but pretty costly and only enough to wipe out about 1/3 of the credit card debt.  

It can be pretty rough - especially in Killeen.