Over the past 6 months I have been really researching and devoting myself to self improvement and learning.

Would it be a good idea to refinance and get access to that equity, or don’t and keep the favorable interest rate?

Received access to mortgage portal to ensure all payments are made (including escrow).Anything else here I should do or not do if acquiring for the long-term?

The question is not whether a guest wants your Netflix, but how they can access their Netflix. 

However, after seeing what we could offer in terms of amenities, location and service, they happily paid the premium rent associated with renting from us.I am not a natural salesman, but reading books on marketing, sales and hospitality has greatly improved my ability to convert a lead.

Often times, if title notices there is no obvious access, they will note that as an exception on Schedule B. 

Yes, full access, so not outsider uninformed of what's being said, taught, promoted, and NOT said, taught etc.. 

I am not looking to make major improvements, but I am looking to enter and secure it.

First you need to learn to separate the following:Maintenance: usually things related to wear & tear or tenant damage.Repairs: usually broken items like doors & windows, caused by tenant or nature.Capital Improvements: usually expensive things that wear out: hot water tanks, furnaces, roofs, etc.The seller is correct that Repairs & Capital Improvement items should not be a factor for awhile (ALWAYS get your own inspection to confirm).

And even fewer people seek to improve their ROI on BOTH the things they are not achieving and the things they are achieving.