I am analyzing my first deal and either it's a really terrible deal (it isn't, at least not to the extent the calculator shows where my expenses increase and my equity decreases over time) or I am not using it right.

Regarding the idea of giving the contractor access to the account -- yes, it would be a terrible idea if I did not know them.

Feels like Philly is really picked over for smaller investors :( I have hope for Kensington/Harrowgate in the future, still seems too terrible to take the risk, but worth keeping an eye on the area. 

If it was visibly deteriorated and he didn't note it, there may be a "case" there, but I would be shocked if he didn't have an errors and omissions section in his report covering him for this.I have seen some terrible home inspectors, and some who note every tiny issue like the house was trashed.

Since tenant didn't provide adequate move out notice (asked for a 60 day extension and 14 days before end of original lease said oh never mind, pm didn't get extension signed so we had to incur a large vacancy cost with only two weeks to advertise-we know they are terrible and there contract releases them if responsibility).

There are a few things that make me nervous about starting here though:Negative population changes (although small) and appreciation over time as well as lack of major business or job drivers that will bring more people over time.Market rents were relatively low when I was looking (although I may just be terrible at analyzing this)I do not plan to live in Chillicothe permanently, and finding a way to manage long distance without any property managers in the area means I will have an issue when I move.So although I may find a property that cash flows, I may be stuck with a property that won't sell or sells for less than I purchase it for. 

They either were taking advantage of you or were terrible plumbers.

HomeAway was terribly run from the get go and now the warts and hairs are becoming evident. 

The management is terrible and the reviews are killing them. 

To follow up on what was said above, now is a terrible time to find deals on the MLS if you want to wholesale.