On top of that, it appears tenants had the fireplace going without opening the flume so there’s “smoke damage” on walls, trim, and ceiling.

If you have an older masonry type building it may be worth considering, but most wood constructed buildings will move enough to limit damage to surfaces like drywall and fireplace chimneys.  

Have heard it is not that much work so 55 too much.Interesting thing is he said he'd take out fireplaces and wall and open it all up.

I proceeded to completely rehab it every door, window, roof, siding, fireplace, kitchen etc etc for $20k. 

Close off fireplaces. 

Just a wood fireplace.

It is very hard to include solar payback value as quartz countertop, SS high end appliances, marble floor, exterior fireplace, out door kitchen or LED lights that carry more popularity. 

Speaking of being in the business, don't know what your day job might be, but if you begin making more money or a significant amount of your income comes from buying and selling notes, the IRS can determine that you are in the business, from there it goes down hill.So, IMO, 99% of all the note buying/trading books and schemes written are probably only good for starting a fire in the fireplace, they will probably be laced with bad information or illegal tactics.

Clean out the fireplaces and paint the inside of the firebox black. 

I'd be interested in something near Blue Mountain Ski area in PA, up to like 30 minutes away by car, in a decent neighborhood..My main criteria for buying a house is if I would live there, I'm not even that picky...I don't even need a pool, gym, fireplace, etc etc.I've swam in the pool of my upscale building condo once over the last 2 years, lol.