Also something else to consider is that the fire code requirements are more involved for a 3-family (interconnected) than a 2, so if it's not already compliant with the 3 family requirements you'd be expected to bring it up to compliance if trying to turn it into a legal 3 family.The phone # for the building department (technically "Department of Inspections and Standards") is 680-5201 and their website is providenceri.com/DIS - as with most city services, I find that I can usually get some help over the phone (sometimes with some waiting on hold), but they are most helpful in person, if that's something you're able to do.On the specifics of that particular property, one option that often comes up with weird utility setups like you describe, is to just have the owner pay utilities.

A loan originator is the person who calls you on the phone or Emails you and asks you for 2 years worth of tax returns, time at job etc. to get your Mortgage ready to send to the lender.

Make a script for your phone interaction questions and stick to the same info consistently, don't vary on important points.

Look up the multifamily trade associations for contacts and start calling using the phone,e-mail,etc. to make headway.Got to your local investor association.

Even as a so called PRO, which you have to pay for in order to post links, websites, phone numbers, etc., or at least I thought so, I still get posts removed.

I'm telecommuting from 300 miles away but, he's only a phone call away.  

Follow ups are key as the average person takes 3-5 touches before picking up the phone to respond.

We screen tenants on the phone to prequalify before inviting them to the open houses for our SFH rentals, and meet all applicants before they apply.  

If someone comes to me, I'll send them your way.If you need help in your search or want to verify something don't hesitate to ask.For example: I have clients worldwide and things are just as easy as I e-mail them, talking on the phone.

In addition, you must pay them a service fee each time they are called; the tenant doesn't want or pay this, so as the owner tiunkust get back on the phone to pay with a credit card.