At this point, we've reached a crossroads: we're discussing the cost/benefit of adding a new partner.It seems that if we add a third partner, we benefit from additional capital contribution, reduced personal risk, fresh ideas, and a quicker time to creating a self-sufficient business (i.e., having business profits fund new properties).

I reduced my fee from $5k to $3k, gave the buyers right of first refusal on leads until I brought them another deal and finally we had an agreement.So this was my experience with my first wholesale deal.

In order to get around the forclosure process in judicial states - could i buy the house at a reduced house from the person that wants the mortgage and then rent back to them with an option to buy at a fixed rate?

I'm sure I can negotiate the price a little lower as well considering it was just reduced by $10k. 

When its rained like crazy the last few days, water has been finding the daylight (on the sides of the doors and where the doors open up in the middle) and getting through.I'm wondering if there is a way to reduce or eliminate the daylight coming through in some rudimentary manner; seems crazy to have to replace the doors especially at the quoted cost.

It is impossible to hide your identity if you self manage.That doesn't mean a landlord self managing should not take steps to protect their privacy and reduce liability.

The down side is increasing taxes reduces economic activity, so it has diminishing returns. 

Forgiving 1 month of rent for the year is likely reducing each month's rent by 8.3%.

If you did charge the tenant for everything would you need to dramatically reduce the rent? 

Reduce your risk with the numbers as much as you can because that's what is most important.Then once it's a proven concept, you could add it to your bag of tricks for a BRRR strategy on subsequent properties.If the math works, then probably your only main concern is the wording in the contract regarding the payment of the electricity bills.