Mainly I’m trying to avoid “aged poorly design” glassblock walls, small bedrooms, older windows (wood/aluminum, single pane), aluminum patio covers, and to a lesser extent landscaping.

I personally would avoid the older neighborhoods closer to the post.

They deals he says to go after are the ones the real experts say to avoid.

I'm currently developing a project in Western MA and still looking in Central/Southern VT.  

The loans were varied and some were able to close sooner than others and they wanted to close before the others but we held out because we needed to close all of them at the same time to avoid any last minute standoffs or complications.

What are some pros that I can highlight from the seller’s perspective.Here are a few that I’ve come up with:1) monthly income at a higher interest rate;2) avoiding a larger tax bill by reducing the purchase price (on paper);3) a promissory note that they could potentially sell down the road.Any other major ones I am missing?

If you hired an agent or a broker to work with you, you'd be covered - but regulations & laws vary from place to place.Screening is best done by establishing a set of guidelines to qualify applicant tenants, then sticking to those rules to avoid legal issues (and for your own sanity).

And you avoid things like damaged properties (guest insurance from airbnb or prop manager themselves cover that), evictions, collections, etc.   

I wouldn't mess with your index funds if you can avoid it. 

He was trying to avoid increasing his annual income which was already high from his W2 job.Thanks!