This is a combination of the all time worst rent to purchase cost ratio and interest rates that are near the high for this century.   

Just keep an eye on interest rates and your ability to cover any cash flow gaps.Consider properties that need a bit of work or up-and-coming neighborhoods for better deals.

When do you get the rent etc

You should be able to get rid of that sign up fee of 3k and have only the monthly charge.

It might help to give context to their complaints so we could decide if they should have known that.Most MTR guests won't have many complaints if the place is set up correctly and cleaned, so I always expect to handle anything they want, within reason and even a little beyond.

FHA vs Conventional will largely come down to your credit score, downpayment, use, income/DTI, and future plans.

What's being pitched as wholesaling is simply illegal real estate brokering.

Had to put a new roof, HVAC, and finish the basement.

Depends on the market of course.

If you own the house together, the only options are for one party to buy out the other or sell the house.