My partner (okay, i'm bias b/c he's my husband) knows all the constructions, building, woodworking, the fixing up logistical stuff, and I'm the finance  and design.. you will be 100x happier and more successful if you find a partner that's a ying/yang... a partner and a mentor to match your strategy!  

(Also staining maple dark is woodworker blasphemy.)

Never a complaint, until the Attorney General decided to come after him and suddenly those previous owners, who had been really happy, came out of the woodwork and claimed that he had taken advantage of them etc.

He should be able to give you suggestions for stain color to compliment existing woodwork (you won't be able to "match" old varnish).

I'm also interested in learning woodworking and DIY home repairs.Little known fact about me..

Some potential partners or lenders may come out of the woodwork here.  

Don't tell people you're interested in lending money because people will come out of the woodwork pitching you their deals.  

None of the woodwork was painted, the downstairs unit smelled like someone smoked two packs a day for 50 years in there, and there is a lot of personal property throughout, but it definitely seems like a good deal.  

He never had one complaint by the owners, then the AG of Washington made it his mission to shut down this investor (or scammer in his mind, because he didn't understand ) and suddenly all of these former owners, who had been really happy for having still received 50% profit, came out of the woodworks, stating how he stole their houses.

My husband enjoys fixing things and wood working and I have design back ground. we are not expecting a huge return on the first house but would like to really get our feet wet and learn the whole process.I would like to study and get the RE license in the mean time. if anyone has good any suggestions or insights I would really appreciate it!.