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).

Something I noticed that is making me doubt about making an official offer is that it seems to be in an area with high crime.  

You find the house completely trashed with missing appliances and cabinets, tenants were cooking meth, windows broken, etc. 6-8 months of unpaid rent, unpaid utilities, thousands to empty the abandoned property and trash, $50,000 to completely renovate the property and make it rentable again, plus all the time, energy, and stress along the way.I would actually argue this is pretty common and not even the worst-case scenario. 

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. 

Calls to the company go to a voice mailbox that is full after the 6 month date.I have created a Notice of Contract Default that I will be sending to them via their lawyer.

Give the PM a written notice of termination 30 days in advance.

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.

.: I have noticed a lot of realtors, newbies, and even folks that have been buying properties for a while and should know better telling folks to find off market deals. 

We're also noticing they are starting to write 2nds again.

Important things to check include opening and closing every cabinet, looking under sinks, pushing on doors and cabinets, and checking commonly used areas.