Figuring out utility costs

[Brock Hoffman]

How should you go about figuring out utility costs / taxes and other expenses for a particular property in your area? I am currently looking at a 4-plex, but I am having a hard time analyzing it because I don't know what accurate utility costs will be on the property. Is it okay to ask for a schedule E form / income statement / rent rolls and bank statements? Who do I ask for those documents / where do I get them? 

[Chris Mason]

Originally posted by @Brock Hoffman:

How should you go about figuring out utility costs / taxes and other expenses for a particular property in your area? I am currently looking at a 4-plex, but I am having a hard time analyzing it because I don't know what accurate utility costs will be on the property. Is it okay to ask for a schedule E form / income statement / rent rolls and bank statements? Who do I ask for those documents / where do I get them? 

 Hi Brock,

Generally you get it under contract, with an inspection contingency, so that it's yours if you want it, and ask the seller for two years of Schedule E at that point. They will of course black out their SSN and other properties. 

Asking for Schedule E before you have it under contract makes you look like a tire kicker and time waster.