This includes notification or requests for repairs.

Even thought it needs extensive repair due to damage from the tenant and since I live in the front unit, I don't think I can deal with a renter living free, getting uber eats delivery and working without paying rent.

I have been doing off-market acquisition for more than 30 years so I think I have some advice to share so people don't step in the same potholes that millions of newbies have by trying to build a wholesaling business without access to ARV and no knowledge of repair costs.Under what rule is every response supposed to be solutions?

I'm also finding that a single large repair can wipe out a whole year of income, making me wonder if cheaper cashflowing properties is the right play. 

Your losses even depend on number of things like the basis of your earlier property, any additional capex required like HVAC or major repairs, output of cost segregation studies, etc.

Having the right team is 100% your best strategy to win in Real Estate, especially with a Renovation Loan that allows you to purchase a home as-is and make all repairs/improvements post closing with budget (money) in the bank, ready to go the day after closing.

I still cannot rent this property without essentials like water/power despite the repairs.  

It was a great first project, I had some old friends reach out that were losing their house and I helped them get out from under the PML, bought the house and helped them repair their credit, got a contractor I knew that lived around the corner help me do a full gut rehab and put in about 1,500 hrs of my own labor into it.

They refused to even contact the tenant and said they will let me know how the repairs turn out.

That said, if the tenant caused damages, the tenant can be held liable for the repair costs.