Make a plan that eventually leads to owning property that throws off cash after you purchase it.

The only negotiation with the tenant after the judgment is the payment plan for the money owed to you.

You'll see a hike in rate going from FHA to conventional in general (especially if your plan is to pull some of that equity), but you're also going from owner occupied to investment (if you plan on moving) which is another layer of pricing adjustments.

I plan on being on the road here for work in the next day or two and wanted to try and make sure I have everything covered before I leave.

My plan right now is reading up and down this forum and learning as much as I can.

They can tie up the property with a lis, but if you're not planning on selling, doesn't really bother you.

You still have flooring, cabinets, bathrooms, plumbing, insulation, paint, etc, so all that cost remains the same it would seem. 

I am currently studying to get my real estate license in the state of PA and plan on buying my first investment property in the next couple months.

I plan to get it myself if someone doesn't want it.

Just notify your lender of what you are planning on doing ahead of time.