Some utilities stay with the house (eg water if the tenant doesn't pay, you get stuck with the bill), others go with the tenant (eg electricity, phone). 

Hi Sam, I’ve found outsourcing common area cleaning with routine inspections works best.

Utilities & Electrical PanelsIf you eventually rent it, you don’t have to split utilities—including utilities in rent is common—but separate meters make future tenant disputes easier to avoid.Electrical panels typically cannot be in a private unit unless there’s a locked common area with legal access.

It is best to have a separate HVAC system for each unit but if the multi family unit is all on one utility meter then you might want to get one of those ones where you can control the system from 2 different units.  

Often there's an issue with common areas - which meter to put them on or will you need a third meter for common areas that stays in the owner's name?

Over the years, I’ve seen investors run into the same problems when it comes to financing:

Rushing into deals without clear exit strategies

Underestimating holding costs

Not comparing multiple funding o...

Your assumption is right in line with that.Cash reserves: I like to keep at least 3–6 months of expenses (mortgage, taxes, insurance, utilities if you cover them).

The biggest difference is you are likely on the hook for more of the expenses: landscaping, any common area utilities, possibly trash/dumpster. 

Maintenance & Infrastructure:-What are the most common or costly maintenance issues you've faced (e.g., septic systems, utilities, hookups)?

When working with investors, what is the most common contribution/investment/loan size?