Like most investors here I require my tenants to get utility service accounts in their own names prior to move in.

Utilities?

Make sure you're not hitting utility lines underground...get a few quotes from framers...

Here's was my Pre-Purchase Checklist when I first started:Upon Contract AcceptanceEnsure Access to Property: * Make Copy of Property Key(s) * Purchase New Lockbox * Place Key(s) in Lockbox and Install at Property (hidden)If Certified Funds are Required for EM: * Get Certified Funds for EM from Bank * Submit Certified Funds to AgentIf Financing the Purchase: * Send Contract to Loan Officer * Provide Loan Officer Property Info * Connect Loan Officer with RE Agent Info * Have Loan Officer Schedule Appraisal * Make sure Loan Officer Knows Anticipated Closing DateDue DiligenceInspections: * Turn On Utilities for Inspection (water, gas, electric) * Schedule Termite Inspection * Schedule Property Inspection * Attend Inspection and Take Notes for “Scope of Work” * Get Final Inspection Report and Review for “Scope of Work” * Get Termite Letter/Pest Inspection ReportContractor Prep: * Create Scope of Work * Create Materials List * Determine Which Contractors Are Needed: * GC * HVAC * Roofer * Electrician * Plumber * Pest/Termite Control * Painter * Landscaper * Carpenter * Schedule GC Walk-Through(s) * Get Contractor QuotesPurchase Decision: * Perform Final Financial Analysis Using Estimates/Quotes * Perform Both Flip and Rental Analysis * Make Go/No-Go Decision on PurchaseUpon Contingency FinalizationFinal Purchase Prep: * Get Closing Date from Lender/Agent * Arrange Landlord Insurance Policy * If Financing, Connect Insurance Agent with Loan Officer * Follow-Up on Appraisal with Lender * Choose a General Contractor * Choose Sub-Contractors (if no GC) * Determine Exit Strategy * Create Rehab Schedule (if no GC) * Create Final BudgetPrior to ClosingFinal Loan and Closing Prep: * Obtain and Review HUD-1 * Obtain and Review GFE (if financing) * Ensure Loan is Ready for Closing (if financing) * Get Certified Funds for Closing * Determine How to Hold Title * Get Partnership Agreement Documents Signed (if partnering)Upon ClosingDay of Closing: * Get Keys * Change Property Tax Records to Home Address * Get GC and Sub Contracts/Docs Signed * Arrange GC and Sub Start Dates

The previous owner was undercharging on rent and utilities and I want to increase it.

You might expect her to give a better deal based on a now established ongoing relationship.

Smartphones are the new computers-No surprise9 out 10 searchers have taken action as a result of a search from their phone.Local Information Seekers61% call as a result from looking for local information59% visit the establishment or hmmmm...Maybe an open house?

(Not legal in Illinois and six other states - impractical in 10 others.)Solutions are out there, but they are complex and require training and education to utilize.

You will need to pay for insurance (and I would want the utilities on)during that time.

Our current plan is to just apply all the net rents (cash reserves already established)and all the extra money from our paychecks to pay the debt off in about 12 to 18 months.