I have found a number of other users posted this question in the forum over the years but I cannot find a resolution anywhere.The way the Rental Property Calculator derives the "Profit if sold" number seems to have an error in it if you are using the function to increase the rental rate and expenses each year.

To increase your expertise, make use of internet forums, seminars, podcasts, and books.

Means they lowered the price to increase their physical occupancy.  

Rent out your units at, or slightly below, the market rate and gradually increase rents YOY (2-2.5%).This strategy will allow you to get your foot in the door with a low down payment AND less competition.

He's interesting in partnering and, at least for now, would be contributing services.Is there a standard capital / profits interest for situations where services are the only thing contributed?  

I'd honestly work on increase your income and saving more, try to get to 40K then go the hard money route.

Home prices increased in the same period nationwide by over 13%.Taxes are based on the state, county and property value so what do you think happens to taxes when property values go up?

And they might have had a rolling discount from increase % caps. 

. - You don't want to rehab your property to Class A standards, but only have Class B & C tenants to choose from:(- How many rentals are in the area, where do the tenants come from?

There are certainly ways to do that, but they increase risk as well as potential reward.