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Sounds like you're doing the right thing.

At that point, the other agent (who also happens to be a mortgage broker) pays you whatever referral fee you agreed to in your referral agreement.The way the question is worded sounds like the real estate agent sent a client to a mortgage broker for a loan. 

Since my property is in a D area most of prospective tenants don't like to fill out background/credit checks let alone pay for them.

Live in renovations for something like a kitchen or bathroom upgrade are possible but messy.

I understand the business model, but I would like to see the thought process of someone actively running a Short term rental.

I'm an avid reader of BP but I'm also a self-taught investor like many of us here, barely 3 yrs deep into REI, so I'm certain blunders abound.

This thought process of having tenants reimburse for utilities is very silly and seems like they keep stepping over their own toes with this rental. 

If you’d like help exploring real estate investments or structuring financing, I’m here to assist!

It's likely that the contractor they used to hire to remove the tank didn't close the permit with the township.