So keeping the $10,000, charging $200/month above average rent and losing responsibility to maintain the property during the option period is my worst outcome. 

They pay for themselves in about a 1.5 yrs all the rest of those utility charges are yours to keep going forward.

I don't think my current method of paying my handyman an $85 trip charge is cost effective. 

They charge up front fees of $2500 and you are required to pay a $650 property valuation fee for each property (non-refundable).

Personally I charge $500.00 for a renovation bid as an investor pre-purchase tool which frankly is cheap considering the typical bid requires 3 hours or more of drive time and on site project inspections then another 2-3 hours of typing out a comprehensive bid that considers all desirable finishes.

What ever the contractor charges .    

By that I mean, they don't charge too much, can get in and out quick and are good at communicating.

Has anyone also done a pet deposit with section 8 and charged additional rent fee per pet (and per month)?

Has anyone also done a pet deposit with section 8 and charged additional rent fee per pet (and per month)?

Unless you are a partner in the transaction.You can also contact MN Department of commerce for further clarification free of charge