I'm also confused about this part concerning tenant appeal:During an appeal to district court, it shall be sufficient to stay execution of a judgment for ejectment if the defendant appellant pays to the clerk of superior court any rent in arrears as determined by the magistrate and signs an undertaking that he or she will pay into the office of the clerk of superior court the amount of the tenant's share of the contract rent as it becomes due periodically after the judgment was entered and, where applicable, comply with subdivisionDoes this just mean tenant must also sign and agree to pay future rent, when it becomes due, during their appeal (for instance, if they appeal on 11/15, but the next court date isn't until 12/15, they agree to pay the court rent for December when it becomes due on December 1st...)?

With that being said it is a major undertaking.

A new, expensive apartment in a hip area may be one you want to re-decorate  interiors frequently to keep it fresh, while an older property in workforce housing is more focused on clean and functional over style.

I am in the construction field and can easily undertake a mostly cosmetic project (kitchens/bathrooms/finishes).   

I’m wanting to get started, but am concerned this would be too big of an undertaking for a first deal. 

I wouldn’t.I don’t mean to be negative - I’ve been in real estate for 45 years - and own and operate over 1100 apartment units worth $150M - and I don’t think I have the knowledge  to undertake the project you envision.

So as I get ready to undertake this event any advice appreciated.

Long story short, when I have analyzed properties in this manner, I cant get the numbers to work in a manner that makes me want to deploy capital to undertake such a project. 

I've lived near bham all my life but starting to think of things thru the investor lens is a new undertaking.

It's an awesome undertaking and I wish you the best of luck with it!