If you don't then they may not be willing to commit to you, and you won't get the right service. 

@Cherrell Thomas cash flow is the profit that's left after debt service, property taxes, property management, common utilities (if any), reserves for repairs (small things like leaky faucets, AC servicing, etc), and capital expenditures or capEx (larger things like a new roof,new HVAC, major plumbing overhaul...these are treated differently on taxes, written off over a specified longer period) and other expenses.The first item I mentioned, debt service, is where the answer to your question is.

After finding out about subletting, a thrashed back yard, domestic violence, broken doors, smashed windows, smoking, melted vinyl on the new kitchen floor, a leaking toilet, a destroyed lawn and on and on....

In most area's water is a required service that landlord's have to provide for tenants.

It would be best if he calls the city and asks them to turn it in (although it is already on) in order to establish service for 2 reasons: (1) He's going to need to have the water on for the when the property gets inspected (banks won't loan unless everything is proven to be working) and (2) Right now the city could charge him with theft of water by turning the water back on himself (well, really the contractor did it but the city does not care). 

If this were a forum for maximizing profit in sales tactics where we can discuss the intricacies of getting paid for a diagnostic service call regardless of whether you actually diagnose anything correctly, well then...

Here's what I set aside per unit:Taxes:  ~ $100 per monthTurnover expense:  3.5% GSRWater/Sewer/Trash: $30-$45 per monthMaintenance: 12%Cap Ex: 2.5%Overhead: 1%Insurance: ~$25/mo.Debt service (100% leveraged): $350-$400EVERYTHING ABOVE is increased by 10% to account for vacancyAll told, each unit still cash flows between $100 and $200 per month.These are B-/C+ small MF properties.Note I do not pay for management as I self-manage, but that is offset by the increased debt service created by the 100% leverage. 

Hopefully someone can help shed some light on what my options here are:I've been speaking to my dad, who is a service disabled retired veteran, about working together on some REI deals.

Ask the title companies.But take heart if the goal is good service with an experienced accommodator. 

Call Luke at 970 Services!