I'm seeking alternative solutions to decrease the operating energy costs, and/or create an income stream selling excess energy back to the grid. 

If that is not the case, refinancing with the VA IRRRL loan (which only requires that you certify that you have been living in the home) allows you to rent the property and will have lower refinancing costs than many of your conventional alternatives, but requires that your refi saves a minimum 1% interest, can only be applied to refinance an existing VA loan, and can't be used to cash out equity so you are still stuck saving a down payment for your new home, but your costs on your existing property over the long run would be lower. 

Alternatively there is surely a legal process to get squatters out of a property.

We also make sure we have access to the online portal for the lender so we can make payments (an alternative is to have a title company service the loan). 

Zillow pulls that data from the recorder's office (public information) and Zillow classifies those properties with lis pendens filed with the recorder's office as preforeclosure.During preforeclosure period, the homeowner typically has a certain amount of time in which to try to catch up on past-due mortgage payments plus fees, sell the home to pay off the loan, or work out an alternative to foreclosure with the lender, like a mortgage modification, short sale, or deed in lieu of foreclosure.Like any other property, a preforeclosure may or may not be a good deal.

If you are collecting payment for water utilities, it will be considered income.If you are also paying for the water utilities, it will be considered an expense.Net will be a wash.The alternative is if the tenant pays for the utilities directly.

If your going this route I suggest you do not keep it as its your primary residence as you cans ell it and keep all the gains tax free as long as you meet the IRS requirements ( talk to your accountant ).A second alternative is finding a duplex - 4 plex and living in one while renting out the others.

Alternatively, check the "Network" tab to find a provider and don't limit your search to your local area.

Extended stay hotels are also picking up new customers who are staying for shorter periods and now see the properties as an alternative to traditional hotels.

Refacing cabinets is a good alternative to just painting and hardware if you want to really change the look.