I wouldn't say that I am extremely experienced, but I have don't a few deals, and since you are only looking for the first deal, I think I can shed enough light for you.From the time I decided that I was going to be a REI, to the time I was signing a contract with a seller was about 4-5 months.

Also you will need a flange extension for the toilet waste pipe.Swap out the vanity/faucet, medicine cabinet, and/or light fixtures.

Wall wash with TSP prior to painting if possible,, if the ceilings are flat (not popcorn) wash also, a sponge mop with a towel over it works great and fast..2 buckets one wash one rinse.you wash everything,, doors, trim, floors, cabinets, light fixtures, all windows glass and tracks.Bleach is ok to use but I've found that TSP is best thing to actually REMOVE the nicotine,, you'll be shocked when you see how well it works. 2 Prime, Kilz primer to seal anything your going to paint.3 Remove all blinds, throw them away the plastic retains the odor and they'll be gross anyway.4 Air Ducts if you can reach inside wash out.. then spray Kilz in them as far as you can reach with the system off.  

And you know what the saying is - if everyone is doing it, there's no more money to he made there.Just LOL @ competing with millions of other college graduates all looking for the same jobs in 2017, when people are on youtube literally lighting their law and business degrees from HARVARD on fire. 

I've complied with a lot of the improvements that they needed such as fixing the lights, chaining up the AC's, and forcing my tenants to register their cars for one.

Can find a partner on here, your unit (tread lightly there) or family and pool your resources (money, time or expertise) together.

Growing up, I helped my parents with their house flipping and rentals, so I've witnessed what REI can do, I just hate that it took so long for the light bulb to go off.Current State:I am looking forward to gaining as much understanding as books can give me, but mostly eager to acquire our first property and learn while doing.

She said she is willing to accept $38k...I was going to offer her $24k, in light of the situation. 

I have a 5 x 8 utility trailer that is handy as hell , its light , easy to load and holds quite a bit .

It was zoned light commercial, but after going through a long process with the county, I was allowed to build on it using a use permit, and keep the light commercial zoning.