If we are losing money every year, but do plan on holding on to it long term, with our goal being appreciation of the market and someone else paying a good chunk of our mortgage, is this worth doing on any level? 

HelloI am in negotiation on a property in Ohio.

There are some great suggestions here on down payment, interest rate, servicing, and underwriting the borrower.  

would love to connect. best of luck on your journey

I do try and tweak pricing just so it sees that there is active updates on the listing sites.

Also, if anyone knows of any other background check services that are more reliable please let me know.

It sounds like you've absorbed a bunch of problems already and a new sewer line and the current basement situation will cost you way less than the $50K in fees to sell it. 

Can you speak on how you source granite slabs cost effectively?

Congratulations to your continued success.That said we would like some guidance on crafting a contract where we would partner with contractor to go in on a flip together. 

Unfortunately, I think you should eat the cost on this.If you have a door that can lock, you should provide the key.