As has been corrected pointed out, the thing was insulated with asbestos (after it was converted).Any competent residential HVAC guy will have at least read about these.What you're going to end up doing is removing that and replacing it with a modern updraft forced air furnace set on its lowest blower speed and some additional ducting.

Piedmont park and and the belt line are also super close.

As time goes on and I keep reading more I think I am going to try harder to find something in CA or AZ to start with and once I have that under my belt then start looking further out of the area.

Might not be in your best interest to go 1on1 with him before you get a few deals under your belt anyway ;-)Target a nice $150k property that rents for $1k+ to start out. 

After you have a few properties under your belt, then start looking at asset protection.

BP will definitely aid you in getting that first deal under your belt.

Semi-newbie here with 3 single units under my belt.

I have one deal under my belt which I just closed on a few weeks ago (duplex in south city!).

After I've got one under my belt depending on funds left I'll either keep it in the stock market or maybe do financing for a second property.2) Finance between 2 and 3 properties. 

If not then your stuck as @George Blower explained.