I am going to be the contrarian on this subject.. 1. the pre license course is valuable as it teach's the vocabulary of real estate and the basic laws of your state.. its dirt cheap and one of the better ways to build your foundation. 2.

Asking in the correct forum will get a better response.Read the RULES!

I would assume stand alone homes might perform better during that time. 

Imo it's still better than operating an OOS, STR, at 60 years old. 

There are those that still fix up a bit before doing a slow flip to get better numbers but mostly a prehab.

What you need to do is show the tenant that it would be better for them to just move out without issue than to fight you on this.So, I'd lay it out for them. 

If its an attorney closing state same thing ask the attorney or one of their staff.Generally though be care of those reaching out and promising rates that are simply better than current rates thats almost always a fake lender or a bait and switch..

That strength i carry that lets me stand alone is beneficial but also as I left that crowd i was never able for unknown reasons to reconnect to a better class of people or even network.

I like the West Mobile area, its class A area, you can definitely find deals there, 3 bedroom with 2 bathroom for around 220k or so, you may have to wait a couple of years for positive cash flow but properties there increasing in values better than others.

Perhaps it is better to cap off the chimney at the top, or inside the fireplace and just make it decorative.