I've racked up credit card debt myself in order to finish a property but I run the numbers time and time again to make sure I'm not getting into something I can't get out of.

LOL, not death, but it can rack up more than $100,000 for you.And my vote for Chris is for the links.However, as mention a HUD-1 is not required for non-residential properties but it's usually the easiest way if it applies.The IRS requires an accounting of RE transactions showing all relevant expenses and costs of settlement, it is the source document to establish the tax basis for all real estate.A tax basis is required on all real estate, besides rentals and sales by investors, you have estate matters and everyone dies.

In all seriousness as a divorcee I wished an investor would have approached me to unload that house that was holding me up in the divorce and racking up more legal bills.

Do I just get plastic or wooden corner pieces and caulk it?

From the picture that you have provided it appears to be more of a wooden patio then a deck to me.

Your tenants will accuse you of being money hungry or worse (while sticking you with bills that *they* racked up) and they will always put themselves first.

I can tell you that investing has been the scariest, nerve racking, praying to god moments that I have ever done!

What are the wooden floors? 

I've been thinking long distance but it's a little nerve racking being this would be my first investment.

wooden floors was a nice touch. so was the color chosen for the walls. good job