Two years less a day in jail however would be a adequate deterrent against non payment of rent.   

Paying people to do things I know how to do as well, or better, is completely against my nature.

Maximise your income to improve you chances of getting adequate financing.

I recently had to replace some water damaged ones, and having struggled with this stuff in the past to do a decent repair job because of the blind tongue & groove nature of it, went to Harbor Freight and bought a 1/4" air crown stapler for $20.

The exact nature of your legal situation will depend on many facts not known to me (us) at this time.

First, always include adequate property management expenses.

We ok credit score, more than adequate income, and minimal debt.

There is nothing wrong with putting in basic finishes that provide adequate quality of life to tenants. if you go to large apartment complexes, this is what most of the middle of the road ones do. if you do it in a home, you will probably get the same quality tenants paying similar rates.

Was it a challenge in terms of natural light to not have windows in the back (aside from top-floor balcony)? 

If u naturally have ur money in 2 things  and I have my money in one of your two things.