I fear you will start to see under-financed PM's dipping into the Trust accounts to keep their heads above water and many just closing the doors.

Does anyone know a good resource for a reliable estimate of water/sewer/heat in this area?

There is a dock with 100' water front. 2 parcels have actual water front and the taxes reflect this. 

Lastly, check with whatever municipality this is in to see if there are rental license fees/trash fees/water/sewer etc.

This includes fire or electrical hazards, plumbing issues that can result in a lack of hot water or water damage, lack of heat, lead paint remediation, etc.

@James DolanI take the current owner does not have sewer/water line insurance?

Why can’t they sell their personal residence---- everyone does need shelter just like everyone does need food and water, yet the baffling question is... why do they need to pass the buck onto the tenant, who is the customer, for what is in reality their inability to meet a commitment they made?

$40/month for water/sewer is probably low.

It has seemed like something keeps getting in the way but I'm determined to become a real estate investor this year hell or high water!

Each month, we have tremendous Contractual Obligations and payments to make - Grocery-Bills, Utilities, Mortgages, Plumbers, Electricians, Medical Insurance Premiums, Property-Insurance, Sewer-Water, Oil, Gas, Electricity, Property Taxes, Cable & Internet, Cell-Phone, Income-Taxes...Are we now doing away with our entire system of Contract & Tort Law?