We did not loose much money but it sold for a lot less than some of the property tax valuations and the RE took a lot or time (overseeing the repairs from 2 hurricanes).I still love the location of the property and may go back there to vacation but as an RE investment it did not work for us. 

Lately we have had many leaking and loose toilets. 

Why would you risk loosing a deal?

Furthermore, I can't teach the VA everything because that's very time consuming.If you are interested in forming a loose partnership in splitting a VA cost and resources let me know. 

Miscellaneous other items (i.e. loose faucets, some outlets not working, sliding back door jammed, etc)The seller offered us a $5k credit, however we think it should be much higher (around 10K).

I bought my first rental, the loan wouldn’t close unless the entire exterior of the home was scraped of loose paint and repainted.

Loose the pool, and loose the liability. 

Or bought a new roof, heck even repaired a roof outside of a few loose tiles.

You own 3 rentals bought at 100k but in 2006 worth 200k, fast forward a few years and you sell for break even or maybe loose a little.

you will be loosing money every day.