There are strategies that you can utilize here that can make it easier as well. 

I start with cleaning and repairs, then I apply it towards utilities, legal fees, late fees, and rent, usually in that order.I also have a holdover clause that says the tenant is charged 4x of the monthly rent, prorated daily if they hold onto the property after lease termination.

Did they have bank statements showing utility payments for the rentals?

Instead, can you just cover the utilities or go to the laundromat.

Thanks,A lot of lenders (mortgage brokers) utilize figure https://www.figure.com/home-equity-line/ if it helps you at all. 

For example, in Mexico, you can put less than 40-60% down, interest rates are in the single digits and you can get 20- to 30-year mortgages (and you can't get anything shorter actually) and the right areas would fit within @Richard Foltys' criteria.

Numbers:Purchase Price: $140,000Cash Invested: $42,000Income:Unit 1: $1075 + utilities. 

By zip code only or zip code + 4 digits?

., new renovation, outdoor space, free parking, in unit laundry, extra storage, utilities included in rent.   

I'm trying to automate and digitize more processes of managing long term and shortterm rentals.