You're not only adding an investment but getting some good tax write off to save on your tax burden annually.

To maximize cash flow right away you are going to need to find a vacant multi or write the contract to be delivered vacant so you can do an FHA and use cash to rehab or do 203k loan.

His theory was agents fight less for repairs, fight harder to keep deals together, pay for minor repairs themselves vs writing amendments, etc. 

That almost makes me itch just writing it,  I don’t always  love Zillow but it is what it is.  

In the meantime, I'll be using a cost-seg to accelerate the depreciation and have a big write-off in year one (2021).Question: Since I'll be using a 1031 and deferring the taxes owed on the gains (+ depreciation recapture), is there any point in holding it for 1 year+ vs less than 1 year (as I assume that the tax implications would be different)?

Could I have them write it up as selling for what they owe and I use a DSCR loan to aquire the property and just seller finance the remaining balance with them.

As others stated, you can absolutely charge for cleaning costs unless your contract (lease agreement states otherwise) or unless your state laws state otherwise.Document everything in writing with photo and video for evidence.

It's a capital expense and a good write off.

Eventually the owner did refund the money in exchange for me not writing a review.

I have ample people that would co-sign on a house for me to get another one but I'd like to take out a business loan instead as there are more write off potentials then a personal mortgage.