For example, here it says:"Go back to the more expensive agents, and tell them the others are offering lower fees.

I like your idea of offering something that others don't have, for example, office space.

That you wisely build in the costs for replacement linens and towels (also offer black face towels), possibly don't use high-end top-down shades in the Bunk Room (although those black out shades match all the shades in the rest of the house and it's a high-end property), chalk can be brushed, semi-gloss on walls for easier clean-up... and yes, there are clear check-out directions to run the dishwasher provided via an online guest book, a physical guest book, and an email I send regarding check-out the day before they check-out.

Are people able to buy a duplex in this neighborhood with some kind of down payment assistance program for very little down and the payments are near your asking price.

It tends to be the sweet spot in Detroit today because it offers the best risk-adjusted cash flow.

This might help you get a bit of breathing room to address the bigger maintenance issues you mentioned, like the garage roof and leaning trees.It’s also important to find a support system, whether it’s other landlords who understand what you’re going through or a mentor who can offer advice and encouragement.

Eventually, the assistant was terminated and my calls, texts and emails to him simply went unanswered.  

Then afterwards we make a plan based on potentially necessary renovations and decide together if I should make an offer.

You can absolutely make rhe time limit what ever buyer and seller are comfortable with.If your trying to convince a seller to give you seller financing while you flip the house a shorter time may be more convincing than a longer one.You could also offer some of the profits from the flip to help seal the deal.

Ordinances and codes can be complex and lengthy, I would recommend engaging an architect to assist and give in-depth analysis.