Upgrading FloorsReplacing old carpets with hardwood, luxury vinyl plank (LVP), or tile flooring adds a modern touch and boosts ARV.

Ultimately our goal is to have 10 paid-off houses that will add to our retirement income.

Ultimately, I do think S8 requires scale and lots of efficiencies but has its benefits. 

The primary advantage is the tax-deferred or tax-free growth—like other IRAs, any profits from real estate investments grow without immediate tax consequences, which can significantly boost your retirement savings over time.

Yes, ask the City Building Dept, they are the ultimate arbiter.

Again, if you learn some of the basics, you won't be so nervous about the problems you will eventually face.Start with BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginners Guide (free).

The seller had attempted to buy me out of the deal but ultimately realized they had no legal grounds to back out.

Ultimately I agree that responsiveness is very much appreciated, but you won't really know that until you start working together with the agent.

I know there is a lot that I'm going to need to learn, and ultimately it will come down to how much the student puts into it.  

Give The Ultimate Guide to Grading Cleveland Neighborhoods a read.