I want to make sure I do things correct from the start to avoid cleaning up a mess later on.

I have the power to get the loan, but I don't want to take the full taxable income if I plan on splitting all profits with them.

I rented a machine to get the water out, rented high powered fans and sprayed for mold and used a mold tester.

Before you power wash .  

I know having partners cuts my percentages down but it also increases our purchasing power.

Until you have several properties, I don't believe you're going to have the bargaining power to really negotiate a much better rate.

I honestly don't think caulking around the sink, paint patches from holes on the dry wall, oil hinges, cleaning and basic maintenance would cost that much.

I'm getting the idea that mr ECC is a bit power hungry.

ie, pipe, gas line, power cable, etc?

I also realized that there's a lot of house flipping work that I actually enjoy doing - I enjoy putting together IKEA cabinets, painting, cleaning, doing landscaping - but I enjoy them when I'll see some fruits for those labors!