I was thinking about something like this: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Grosfillex-Element-36-...or this https://www.homedepot.com/p/Nuvelle-Deco-Strips-Al...I'm not sure if this will save any money or not. 

There are many factors to consider when transitioning from "smoking allowed" to "smoking prohibited", the biggest one being the human element. 

A lot of contractors cannot float or front money for any length of time and this will become an issue as you progress in the project if the GC is strapped for cash.Overall if you can get a lender, HUD consultant, and GC that have worked together on numerous deals together, your project has a much better chance of going smoother when you are in the rehab phase. 

I've found people numerous times on Craigslist who have hauled junk, including refrigerators, away for free for me.

They have the necessary systems in place to handle the numerous obstacles thrown at them through the life-cycle of the note.  

Also, Im not a tax professional and this is not tax advice, but your CPA should be able to claim you deprecation on your investment as well, gaining you even more tax benefit.Solar panels provide cover from the elements to the shingles located below them, thus increasing shingle life.

@Mark DiGioia there are numerous property management softwares out there that can help you collect your rent online as well as provide other property management features.

Since then the bank/Seller have asked for numerous extensions which we have given. 

That's the first principal element of a quality cost segregation study. https://www.irs.gov/businesses/cost-segregation-audit-technique-guide-chapter-4-principal-elements-of-a-quality-cost-segregation-study-and-reportA "mini" cost seg is basically a residual estimation, which is cautioned against by the IRS because it is generally inaccurate.

I have taken out numerous mortgages in the pass and IF I even locked the rate, I was never charged a fee.