Instead I would find an experienced flipper, offer to partner on a deal, maybe bring the deal to him if you can find one, and agree to take a reduced amount of the commission in order to be involved and learn about the process

The company updates costs based on local material and labor rate costs.  

I had to change insurance companies, raise the rent and I used a company called Ownwell to help reduce my property tax.

Knowing your “why” can help reduce anxiety by aligning your actions with your long-term objectives.

They don't want you contributing your labor to your plan.

I've played around with upping price and significantly reducing the cleaning fee and removing the grill fees but it didn't really change much.

That is not agent driven.Agents will "over value" to get the listing (I call it being deceitful, but I digress), then they reduce the asking price to try to get the sale.

We put both houses in the MLS and have had to reduce the price by more than 14% and still no offers. 

It reduces risk and produces better and longer lasting results.

I don't know of any mortgage where you can reduce your principle down by that much over 2 years!