It's funny, when I was a kid I would collect unwanted tires and sell them to a recycler for $3 each.

However, screening of the spouse revealed debt, collections, no source of income, etc. - I would never accept that person alone.

The fees do not go towards the deposit, because we don't collect the fees - the company doing the check (we use MySmartMove) collects the fees.

Should I reduce the offer price and not collect monthly rent but ask that they pay utilities and other stuff like cable, etc?  

I do have a large double door, bottom drawer LG Fridge & an LG DW at our Lakehouse & they have survived 8 winters & it gets to 20 below so I'm impressed.

The "hardest" part is the daily action steps and commitment of time/effort to get it moving.https://store.biggerpockets.com/collections/all-books/products/finding-and-funding-great-deals Finding and Funding Great Deals by Anson Younghttps://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1259643883 Building Wealth One House at a Time by John SchaubIf you need anything, don't hesitate to reach out.

I've seen some college kids who are geniuses with Excel and I was impressed in regards to how fast they created sophisticated spreadsheets.

I purchased a non performing note on a vacant property a couple months back and would like to start the rehab during the lengthy foreclosure process - I am under the impression that since I technically do not have possession of the property I am only able to work on the property through a receiver.

How is it you intend on collecting from this person? 

There's nothing wrong with rent stabilized properties, as long as you're collecting the anticipated/expected rent.