There are a lot of books on note investing, which is essentially what you're talking about.

They are lawyers so can appeal through the whole process essentially for free.

Essentially you are creating future tax free income by being able to roll over these losses.If your income is between $100,000 and $150,000, a portion of that $150 loss is deductible and the rest rolls forward.If your income is less than $100,000, your loss is fully deductible - and THAT's the cool thing about rental income. 

This shock factor often leads them to question what other elements of the house may need updating, even if the paint is a relatively easy fix.

Using your first property as collateral could help reduce the cash you need upfront, but it’s essential to weigh the risks and it's not really recommended specially if this will be your first.I recommend focusing on building reserves or seeking partnerships to fund flips.

Based on this some elements of my REI strategy are going to need to be adapted!

I think what you are describing is essentially a data center Build to suit perhaps? 

These foundational elements enable you to navigate transactions successfully and make informed decisions.While there are many resources available, including courses and mentorships, the reality is that without a foundational knowledge base, you might struggle to apply what you've learned effectively in real-world scenarios.

High-quality listing photos are essential, so hire a professional photographer.

We include a couple days of essentials like toilet paper, etc to get them by.