I’d like to raise rent slightly because I know for a fact property taxes in Texas are going up since the house appreciated 90-100k in the last year. 

Some things you can test for without utilities on, i.e. pressure testing gas lines and plumbing lines.  

I've been wanting to test out a new market like Texas for a while How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

AKA very easy/simple things that require no actual part replacements or major work.My fear is that when I hand my portfolio over to a PM I will be getting a lot of high price maintenance expenses for service calls which might raise my expenses dramatically.

Yes, there are new regs for 2022 regarding use of criminal background checks for tenant screening, radiator covers for steam radiators, and after July there will be new regs for lead paint testing. 

Raise the rate up and you get lender credit to cover closing costs. 

I can probably raise it a little.

Call the agency and just say “I am looking to raise the rent by 10% and add a $35 water bill how exactly do I do that through you guys?

https://www.rentometer.com/ has been mentioned on the podcasts and is an ok way to test your rates!

Do a search of reviews or test each one out yourself to compare how they function.