If you are willing to chase your tail around doing all of the tasks you mentioned, you DESERVE the savings in commission because you've earned it yourself. 

*Please keep in mind while reading this that I work 45-50 hrs a week in my corporate W2 job*2017, or rather tail end of 2016 was the first year that I got really serious about Real Estate Investing.

Work your tail off for at least a year, most importantly don't kid yourself that this will be something you can dabble in.

You dont need to rewire because of aluminum wiring ,  a licensed electrician has to do pig tails at the sockets .

And certainly don’t let the tax tail wag the dog.

I am not going to give up and just mope away with my tail between my legs, but I am wondering if maybe I should pursue a different avenue for the time being, like a live-in flip, or something like that.

First off, I would take a good hard look at where you are investing, if the prices are decreasing, then it is time to look at a different location, because even if you sell your house, and all you have are expensive properties which are going to loose value, than you are going to be stuck chasing your tail, and making minimal profit.Once you have figured out where and if you would like to continue investing in real estate, than you can map out a good solid plan, and if the plan includes selling your property, I would offer your tenant first option to buy, eventhough your tenant is getting a divorce (or maybe is divorsed by now) I would extend the offer to him, you never know he might be willing to partner up, and maybe house hack a duplex or quadplex with you.

I have one under contract at a discount.There is a nice spread & feel I can either whole tail the property & sell to retail buyers as opposed to wholesaling it.  

Perfect for a guy to rent or own.Here's the deal breakdown: -Purchased for $20k-Currently projected at $20k in rehab but at the tail end of that.

It had no furnace, foundation was shaky (cinder blocks stacked on old bricks, car jacks and poles in buckets of sand), the 220V for dryer and stove were apparently pig-tailed together.