I would do it, but I would budget for getting utilities seperated (electric and gas).  

They will pay for heat if there are separate systems for oil or gas billing so they can put it in their names at the utility company.Owner usually pays for water unless there are separate meters.Owner pays for sewer if it is a separate charge from property tax, some places  it isn't a separate bill.

I have no gas to the building, so I can't help you there.

Energy deregulation could reduce the prices of oil and gas even lower than they are. 

I'm not aware of any tax-deferred or tax-exclusion strategies once you have closed, except for perhaps investing in some type of asset class that would produce a tax credit such as certain types of oil and gas investments. 

I find it very common for tenants to pay electric and gas but landlord supplies water/sewer/trash.

If they show rental, royalty, or dividend income, but the assets/liabilities sheet does not reveal any rental real estate, oil and gas interests, or stocks/bonds, then the negotiator will think they are being scammed.

John with a natural gas resource based economy in the middle of a downturn.

Hi All, What would you estimate the gas (steam boiler system) & water charges to be for a 30 unit apartment building in a cold weather midwest state (Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, etc.)?

(Gas and electric is already separately metered)Any and all advice is welcome