By doing this, utilities are never shut off (thus avoiding a reconnect fee), the property can be kept at acceptable temperature levels, and we are notified of the change in service and can address issues more effectively.

Posts that create interaction and call to actions with your audience will be effective.

I worry about how a potential bad deal could effect our relationship considering we will also be in close living quarters with them (which can potentially get sticky) and I know what can happen when the in-laws clash (my mother lived with my wife and I for a little bit and that was a complete disaster).

First you will want to think about getting your own fresh leads @John Anderson which will take time, but it's more effective.

Any insight on what is needed to effectively work this market I would greatly appreciate.

A million dollar property needs to bring in at least $10k/mo of effective gross income, especially with management and the can't drive by and look at it factor.  

How does this effect a property under an LLC?

Many RE agents like to add them on to sales because they are cheap and effectively deceptive

(hope this isn't considered advertising)The 7 characteristics of highly effective people - Steve CoveyEat that frog - Brian Tracy 

If I was getting a sure thing and even if that sure thing didn't happen I got fat EM it's a no brainer versus a friend who wants the property but needs a bank to approve with all these conditions.