Highlands is always a safe bet for rentals and appreciating values. 

Some foreclosure auctions do not offer agent commission.Your best bet is to attend few auctions, observe and ask questions to local investors in your area.

As an electrician I would bet you have a good network of contractors around you or know how to do stuff yourself as well.

I bet there are dozens of other folks here who would say the same thing.I think you need some more market research.

That would probably your best bet. 

As a community i bet we would all crowdfund a project with a quick turnaround (3-6 months) in between our deals for a reasonable return (5-10% depending the experience of the developer)2.

Also, I’d bet on the stability of a Bay Area home over OOS right now, as markets are high almost everywhere.

If someone could prove that unusable fireplaces add value, I'd start learning to lay brink.I almost beat what is happening is that when buyers are touring properties bet they say things like they love it, its gives it that old fashion feel.Taking that at face value you miss what i am assuming in buyers trying to convince themselves, that the house is worth buying, even if it does come with a worthless eyesore.  

I bet it close I have seen some of that rural PA stuff flush out about like that..  

There are too many factors that have to line up perfectly to make this work.Your best bet is to work something out with your ex-wife.