I am a licensed agent that focuses on investing myself so when I am approached by an agent who says they are investor friendly but don't understand the basics of what I do I don't work with them.

My question is basically how do we go about doing this?

I plan on basically rotating between each unit for a short time period during which I will perform the interior updates and then move out and rent when done.    

If any of them say they are insured but didn't plan to use their insurer, I wouldn't hire them, unless we are talking very, very basic labor that I am ok falling under my insurance policy on the home.

Basically, get a property under contract that is a great deal.2.

We basically needed a cash buyer and only had one initial cash offer of $134k.

Sorry to say, but much of all that is the  fire hose.Like any industry you begin by learning about the product and the rules of the industry.You need to learn real estate basics before you try to  learn how to deal in real estate.I suggest you get a text book  for Realtors to study for their license, that is the meat of the industry in all states, but states are unique.You'll then find out that real estate is unique and is not dealt with like personal property.

I looked at my Social Security and my 401k and thought "This isn't going to cover anything more than the basics!".

Basically it has been difficult to convince her to allow me to do an open house for next set of renters. 

Not to mention they have no basic sales skills  IE they don't answer the phone they hid behind text messaging.. or call you a week later..