I'm naturally conservative, but also have analyzed and utilized the power of responsible leverage to scale quickly. 

I understand it's less in gas, and overall utilities, maintenance, etc, but at the present the numbers for the 4plex, look much more attractive than the 14plex.

For instance, do the tenants currently pay their own utils?

Back to not covering utilities. 

The best place to start is with planning and zoning department to help you understand if you can do what you want to do and the requirements and issues like sprinklers, parking, setbacks, lot coverage utilities etc. 

Utilize technology to face time or do video walkthroughs to check progress. 

Utilities, hard money loans draw fees, insurance, and you may need to pay contractors before you get the wire on the draw.

@Ben TheriaultHope this will help - here are the utility numbers from my duplex in Old Town for the past year.

If your income has taken a hit as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, or you fear it's about to, the good news is that you may be able to get some relief from your mortgage, credit cards, regular bills, utilities, car loan and more.

@Natalie Allen are utilities separate?