Well, it would be good time to get DEMO quotes and see if the city will give you a demo permit to do it yourself (they may want to test for lead.asbestos but even there you could just subcontract that part) and do the rest yourself if you have access to equipment and disposal facilityAS for what to do with this land, it seems you can put 8 units on it cottage style?

The property sounds like a Cape Cod style adding a bedroom upstairs and installing a heat source will definitely up the value and rental rate but is it worth the cost, a good manager will be able to advise you of that too as they are licensed in real estate and can give you an opinion of value.

The $35k my mentor bought bc it for a great deal, but it doesn't fit his criteria so he asked me if I want it and he would sell it to me for cost, because he wants to get into another deal; and it fits my investment style. 

I am hoping you are correct.I read another post from someone who has the ultimate fixer-upper as a tenant. in addition to that, this one wants everything HER color, and HER style.

Can it be done 'self-help' style or is an attorney mandatory?

We should definitely grab a beer or coffee (whatever your style) and talk more. 

I'd look into and see whether this fits your style.

Depending on what you are looking for, I buy my cabinets at either Hoods (cheap, and good quality/style and available for pickup that same day but, not super high-end) or Cabinets To-Go.

First keep educating yourself on content, then you may be able to pick a niche or investment style. 

I had a hard time moving into a 1BR/1Bath 800 square foot apartment style unit (because we all want a big house with big yard and garage!)