Due to unrelated reasons I moved back to Riga, Latvia, where I'm from and this would reduce my spending even more, while raising my income, because I managed to get a better job.

Do it as a way to reduce or eliminate your housing costs.

You may be able to reduce the management fee due to economies of scale with these type of properties being close together. 

It reduces the chance you'll be accused of discrimination and the minimum standards you created are there for a reason.

If you do not see any activity after that, seriously consider reducing your price.

I am wondering IF it is possible to try and strike a deal where I can assume their mortgage(if it makes sense) and they rent my apartment(potentially at a reduced rate), essentially trading places.

This way you are reducing debt burden but also not delaying investing in real estate.

Lol there isn't actually an article or a way to reduce those bills. 

Which would not increase savings but would reduce consumption.

I need to dedicate 25% for off-street parking - reducing my livable living area.