I imagine a lot of the reasons will overlap with the previous topic.  

This is the heart of the reason housing isn't mroe affordable, that landlords bear these types of costs every day.You could probably find cheaper labor, especially to haul away the junk, but not easily as an out of state investor. 

Is anyone else aware of reasonable alternatives?

We sold the house quite quickly at a reasonable profit.Lessons learned?

For example, this investor that I met recently said not to buy properties at tax auction for 100+ different reasons.

I’m not sure you can reasonably expect that you are going to recoup 70%-100% of the heat/AC costs.

I know in Philadelphia if I had a 2 BR house it would be viewed favorably by tenants who are seeking 2 BR living situations because most inventory will be apartment style living and for this reason would achieve a rent premium.

I am hoping to find a reasonably priced photographer to take some sharp  photos of a Property. 

Negotiating Price: What’s a reasonable offer given the current income and potential for more?

A reasonably good source is AVVO.com by zip code and expertise.