My roommate pays $600 and I am letting my brother stay with me at a discounted rate of $150 (he's buried in college debt) So I am breaking even every month instead of making a profit, but it has been sweet not paying rent/mortgage.

It looks like the only way to make it happen is to erode profit. 

I found years ago that I make as much profit renting for a year or so as I would selling a property and still have the property and don't pay FICA taxes.  

I want to know if any has experience offering law enforcement, govt employees, etc. a discount on rent, or perhaps having a program where you let them live rent free (assuming a larger complex of course).

Just some general numbers that I can put some additional figures to develop a profit plan.

Partner puts up $5k initially and gets a $1k/week draw against his profit share.

In my area in the Great Recession larger homes did take a down turn in rental rates and some other less populated areas for sure has to slash there rentals rates.

Instead of simply wholesaling the property can you JV & split the profit evenly?

Finally if you go for a STR I would be sure to have one or two great exit strategies meaning you can rent it long term and at least break even, or you can sell for a small profit. 

Roofers, particularly larger contractors, will often reduce prices in the winter to keep their crews working.