If you advertise at $1800 and get no action for two weeks, then consider dropping the price.Always lower your price, not your standards.

The only challenges you haven't mentioned is advertising for roommates, screening them and where to get a lease.

Not run the business by advertising yourself value.

Bitcoin is something that could become a reality as a common viable means of payment, but as of now, it is not something I would accept. 

His communication is poor but he continues to advertise for his several businesses.

I wouldn’t think those are common numbers.. if you’re buying properties at 26K regularly that’s a different story.

We have expansive soils here (clay that expands when it gets wet) as well as some older cast iron lines and even some orangeburg so it's common to see sewer line issues (often just some tree roots that need to be cleaned then the line re-scoped).

If paid by the lender (this is common for conventional financing, especially with retail lenders), the origination and/or underwriting fee is “baked” into the interest rate, therefore giving you a higher rate in exchange for lower out of pocket costs. 

Is this a common trend? 

Common utilities paid by the landlord will be similar if not the same; standard services (extermination, changing filters, snow removal, fire safety inspections etc.) will cost the same.Expenses will vary depending on the market.