For higher-end properties in Cincinnati, everyone seems to claim they can handle it, but then there are performance issues. 

You could structure it where they provide most of the down payment while you handle the management side.

How should this be handled: tenant pays, landlord pays or split costs and why?

After purchase the assessment office was given the survey and quickly reduced the acreage for taxation to 1.8 acres also. 

Many Realtors will suggest purchasing a property using a FHA Loan, to reduce your out of pocket money.

Since your goal is lowering monthly payments for better cash flow, it might be worth focusing on reducing expenses elsewhere or exploring other investment strategies.

Confirm that the warranty applies to the type of property you own and consider whether the annual cost and service call fees make sense compared to just handling repairs yourself or using your own trusted contractors.

Credibility Package - $7,800 reduced to $5,800 if you sign up right away. 2 to 3-month payment plans available. 

But need to handle the risk of remote investing, and lackluster appreciation.

They now use "Dave" to handle customer inquiries efficiently and promptly.