Our combined income vs just one of our incomes definitely made it much easier to expand our portfolio. 

Our plan is occupy the home as our primary residence.After further digging through the Grantor/Grantee Index it appears that the original lien that is being auctioned is from 2005 and a couple of the banks listed on that original Deed of Trust are now defunct and closed (one is First Franklin).

I find it easier to work with people and let them know the boundaries they have to operate in with their pets than to simply say no. 

Cheaper and easier to maintain. 

@Jeff Galak no XP with either, but after looking over the sites both appear to be mostly a call line and contractor dispatcher, which many self-managed investors can often handle now via contractor directories like Thumbtack, Angie’s List to start until you find your reliable go-to’s.

Criticism comes after that, and it appears as resistance.

I'm also pretty new and still in college so I don't want my experience or appearance jeopordize any deals so it's unrealistic for me to go to the properties in person.

Often the best ones are the smaller community banks in your area, not the large coporate banks however they'll have options as well but its normally relationship based where you'll come in to the bank to meet them and they'll be looking over your financials, credit, investment experience, etc. however once you're in with one of them, it becomes much much easier to borrow with them in the future...

The easier solution is to make the basement technically part of the 1st floor even if you won't use it that way, getting a third unit approved is not something that will be easy. 

FInd it and fix it first.The mouse thing is not that big a deal... but it wouldn't hurt to have an electrician go up into the attic and verify that the wiring is ok.It appears to be coming from outside from the downspout terminating close to foundation and a small hole in the outer wall.