Brought it up right at the closing and he claimed they were dead and he thought he was doing us a favor by getting rid of them (but simultaneously leaving us a house full of old garbage).

(Not on the local MLS) While in Nashville at a doctor appointment, I guess the algorithms were in my favor and it appeared on my phone.

Since your involvement is primarily as a passive investor in syndications, you’ll need to evaluate if you meet these requirements, as REPS generally favors those who actively manage their properties. 

That's how you truly learn and understand neighborhoods and where demand and supply pressures fall in your favor.

The contract I could find says the following:```...together with the right of ingress and egress at all times for the purpose of mining, drilling and exploring said land for oil, gas and other minerals, and removing the same therefrom.And said above described land being now under an oil and gas lease originally executed in favor of [Oil Company], Chicago and now held by [Oil Company] it is understood and agreed that this sale is made subject to said lease, but covers and includes of all the oil royalty and gas rental or royalty due and to be paid under the terms of said lease.It is agreed and understood that of the money rentals which may be paid to extend the term within which a well may be begun under the term of said lease is to be paid to the said [purchaser], and in the event that the said above described lease for any reason becomes cancelled or forfeited, then and in that event, the lease interest and all future rental on said land, for oil, gas and mineral privileges shall be owned jointly by [owner] and wife and [purchaser] each owning & interest in all oil, gas and other mineral in and upon said land, together with interest in all future rente.This sale is made for and in consideration of the sum of Ten Dollars, cash in hand paid, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged.To have and to hold the above described property, together with all and singular the rights and appurtenances thereto in anywise belonging unto the said [owner] heirs and assigns forever, and we do hereby bind ourselves, heirs, executors and administrator to warrant and forever defend all and singular the said property unto the said [purchaser] heir and assignee against every person whomsoever lawfully claiming or to claim the same or any part thereof

Being a duplex that sounds pretty decent the odds are in the sellers favor they'd go pending ASAP. 

I'm not in favor of the mortgage broker if your situation isn't complicated where you need their services and pay the broker fees. 

STRs give you more tax benefits upfront, but it’s wise to choose a property that could perform as an LTR just in case for stability.Using HELOC for Down Payment:The interest on a HELOC used for investment can potentially be tax-deductible, so using it to supplement your down payment could work in your favor.

To maximize cashflow, I looked in my local area (on Zillow) to find favorable Rent to House Price ratios. 

Then the plaintiff asks the judge to enter a judgement in favor of the Mortgagee pursuant to the Mortgage based on everyone's argument and evidence.