PIC16F1718 UART not working
I think you've missed some setup register(s). I don't see BAUD1CON initialization for example. 

PIC datasheets are quite good in that they summarize all the bits that can affect each peripheral. You should check that you've set each and every (non-shaded) bit or byte or word below exactly the way you want. 



There's another similar set for asynchronous reception. 



That's the proper and thorough way to do it. You can also try using MCC (Microchip Code Configurator) plugin in MPLAB-X which allows you to pick options with check boxes and so on, and generates configuration code. You can redirect STDIO to the UART. 

Take care with this, I've often run into subtle bugs in this sort of aid.