If possible get one on town water and sewer, underground utilities and paved roads.Check out the Start Here page http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthereLocate and attend 3 different local REIA club meetings great place to meet people gather resources and info.

,I see a lot of listed properties that have one or more utilities in common.There was one in Caldwell that had Electricity shared between 2 units, and a lot of them have either water or gas shared between one or all units.Anyone have any experience in separating out utilities(Electricity OR Water OR Gas)?

One unit has bedrm and bath closed off due to water damage, it's currently rented as a 1BR but could be repaired and rented out as 2BR probably for an additional $200-300/mo.This seems like a steal, assuming everything checks out with house inspection etc, but what makes me most nervous is I'm not planning to do this full time, I have a job and I can't be driving up there every week to coordinate the repairs and check on them.

My investment company typically purchases buy and hold income properties and it's hard not to notice the money left on the table when you make a half million dollar purchase or sale, so I decided to become licensed. 

Look for water stains on the ceilings, or obvious drywall repairs, potentially indicating a leak.  

. - Water damage is a big one.

NOT true was true prior to 08 in a limited fashion but we learned the hard way that asset lending only is far to risky.2. you need some money... granted I do no money down deals but those ware with my trusted clients of a decade or more with lots of water under our bridge or as forementioned I pick one or two beginners and I groom them.. and I pick them for specific reasons.3. credit and income  Most HML want to see this.. if you don't have massive experience.4. anyone advertising rates under what @Jason Hirko mention is probably out to get due diligence money from you and won't fund.5.

Can the cost to install a submeter for utilities be tax deductible? I would have assumed yes but I know many landlords who havent done it so maybe not? 

If the buyers feel like they should get more money, they can do one of three things:1) re-negotiate with you to amend your original contract2) walk away from the closing table and refuse to sign (basically bringing the deal to a halt)3) suck it up and sign.I can't imagine a closing attorney would hold money back for any reason, unless he had it in writing and signatures from both parties that money was to be held back... that seems beyond me. 

http://www.zonerichmond.com/welcome.htmlImagine what will happen to home prices when folks in SF realize they can have a 15 min ride from Richmond to downtown SF and live in a beautiful condo on the water for 1/3 of the price of SF.