But worst case, if that doesn't happen, I'm assuming I need to move all the utilities into my name to keep lights on, even if it is only for a few days before I find a renter?

HOWEVER, you are also dancing on the line of loan fraud, so I would tread lightly there.First, the very smart part of your strategy.....buying separately. 

Also paint the Visual exterior sides a consistent light color to reflect the sun.

I've done similar, not quite as much as you have with the under cabinet lighting and waterfall faucet ect.

I think color needs to come down to lighting and space, the darker the cabinet in a smaller, not so well lit kitchen is going to make the kitchen appear smaller while white or light color cabinets will reflect more light and hopefully have the opposite effect.

If tenants are light on the rent, he takes whatever they have and works with them.  

. - This should be a light rehab.

A couple water leaks with some light mold shouldn't be an issue if you fix the source of the leak and remove the mold.

With such a widespread community I know someone has had a similar starting spot and can shed some “light on the (dark room I’m walking into) so to speak”.

By similar I mean that they have the possibility of getting multiple mortgages, abundance of multifamilies, green light for house hacking, lower than 6% mortgage interest, and conventional loan rates around 8% for the down payment, lower if possible.