I have become quite interested in purchasing units in the Allentown area but was curious, what is the trend for utilities, trash, water/sewer, etc?

Its not far from the water (not in a flood plain luckily) and its a big area for summer attraction which should make renting a breeze due to these amenities.  

I plan to start with a single home to test the waters and see if this market is for me.

You don't want to buy a $70k older duplex, that needs at least $30k in work, and comes with a $11,000 tax tag, only to have a limited tenant pool. 4.

By the numbers, the cashflow may look better, but the turnover tends to be higher and you have a whole new set of CapEx expenses that have to be supported entirely by that one likely lower-rent unit (it needs its own water heater, HVAC, roof, etc.)If the property isn't a great deal without the garage unit, it won't be a great deal with the garage unit.

Very old and tiny 2/1, but no major upkeep needed in short term as roof, water heater and furnace are all newish.  

.- Water and sewer capacity fees (locally ~$10k just for approval per new dwelling unit).- Sewer sizing.

That water heater is costing you $100  year. but you don't see that cost for years down the road. 

Was going through a refi on a condo and nearly right at the end I was told I could not refi due to the fact that my condo was part of a community that was a mix between apartments and condominium's and that due to the "shared" amenity areas (pool, gym, clubhouse, etc.) that I would not be able to secure a loan.  

The pool of potential buyers is so much smaller since it is basically requires either an investor or, at least someone interested in becoming a landlord.