I have managed these properties from renting to leasing/repairs etc.

Most of the Flippers want to be around 75% of ARV minus repair cost or lower.

There are also some exceptions to convince the underwriters to use leases if there were major repairs for that house/unit proving that the schedule E numbers are not showing the full potential return, then you would be able to use the leases as an exception. 

These can be used for things like payroll but will get trickier when talking utilities or repairs & maintenance as a lot of those have to do with how old the building is or what condition it's already in

I run sum numbers for you please see comments below before refinancing and post refinancing .If I were in your position, I would approach it as follows:Initial Investment Assumptions: Market Value: $360,000 Purchase Price: $360,000 Equity: $0,000Financial Breakdown: Hard Money Loan (LTV 100%): $360,000 Interest Rate: 10% (30-Year Amortization) Monthly Payment: $1,995Upfront Costs: Origination fee (1%): $3,600 Closing Costs (3%): $10,800 Renovation Costs: $10,000 2 Month of Carrying Costs During Renovation: $5,390Total Upfront Required: $29,790Total Capital InvestmentPurchased price $360,000 Upfront Costs $29,790Total: $389,790To make this investment work, you need to rent the whole property for at least $3,165/month, refinance it let say after one year with 5% interest with a traditional mortgage.Year One Rent: Monthly Rent Income: $3,165 Monthly Rent Losses during renovations (2 Months): -$6,330 (-$527/month distributed over 12 months) Total Rent Income: $31,650 per year => $ 2,638 per monthMonthly Expenses: Hard Money Loan Payment (10% Interest): $1,995 / per month interest only Property Tax (Assuming $3,000/year): $250 per month Property Insurance (Assumption): $100 per month Utilities (Hydro, Gas, Water): $292 per month Assuming 0% Vacancy first year Assuming 0 % Repairs & Maintenance first year because unit has been recently renovated Total Monthly Expenses: $2,637Monthly Net Cash Flow: $1Post-Renovation Refinancing Strategy:So far, we’ve purchased the property, completed renovations, and rented it out.Next, you can approach the bank for a refinance to consolidate your initial investment of $29,790 plus your 360k debt into a mortgage.

I understand a fixer-upper would require a lot more work in accurately determining repair costs, finding good contractors, etc., but I think the learning experience would help set me up better for future deals.

These lease breaks will cost me 100s of man hours trying to fill these vacancies, repairing damage left behind, and pursuing the civil cases.

You can even use a really fine-grit sandpaper.This video demonstrates how she repairs a stainless steel sink and it includes before/after images for comparison at the end.

Start with simple repairs, plan for vacancies, and ensure professional inspections. 

Auctions are quite possibly the worst place to buy if you want to avoid repairs.