I'm still in the learning phase and have read about a hundred different books on FI and personal finance.Looking for any resources that might help me on my way.

Personally, I would hang on to the cash.  

I’m not a former IRS person.

I'm not a professional Tax person.

Did you give her written permission to store personal items outside in a common area?

I do have a long-term rental in my portfolio, but it is in the town where my husband was born - so we knew the tenants beforehand and keep a close eye on the situation.

I am here to create a business strategy that protects personal and business investments and mitigates risk,  procure a coach or mentor, and set up tax strategies to create long-term wealth for myself and my family. 

I typically don't comment on other's businesses unless I know from personal experience.

If you close with a conventional loan, it will need to be in your personal name.

It also gives you multiple work surfaces so you can have more than one person in the kitchen without getting in each others' way.