Day job is a computer programmer and I work for myself so flexible time for this. 

im a computer programmer by trade, so Im always looking at ways to automate things.

I also don't change batteries in your smoke detector or thermostat when they go but will do a maintenance change on an inspection.

I know this is a young age to be thinking of a career but my mates do and I watch programmes about retail often and enjoy the concept and I could see myself doing it and am intrigued by being my own boss!

As mentioned, I have one tenant in the medium sized room and I'm in the master bedroom (fl 3) in the same unit currently, which has a supply and a return and heats up just fine.Measuring the temperatures with central heat on a cold day at 70 degrees on the thermostat it can heat the medium br to 65 and the living room to 68.

Google Nest thermostats are not user friendly for guests.

YMMV (your mileage may vary)Fixable alone: boiler maintenance and steam system rebalancing, minor lead paint sealing, plaster patching (even very large ones), thermostat installation, insulate flooring and rim joists, painting, floor repair, skim coating walls, installing thresholds, weatherproofing, installing/refinishing door and cabinet hardware, adjuster gutter drainageNeeded professionals: sewage main unclogging ($), knob and tube disconnection+removal ($$), flooring ($$), adding joists for structural support within walls ($$), replacement and removal of old brass/cast iron plumbing where necessary ($$$), new gas line for laundry and lines for appliances ($), wall demo + replacement ($$$), steam line moving and radiator repair ($$), gutters ($$)$ - hundreds, $$ - thousands, $$$ 5K-10K, $$$$ - tens of thousandsHope this helps, best of luck with the old home!

But FWIW, you can use a Yale lock and Nest thermostat and control all of it from the Nest app.

I've always thought about breaking into the real estate field in terms of helping investers automate tasks, or create software that can solve general problems investors face when managing properties.However when I look, there aren't really any real estate companies that look to hire programmers or seem to have a need for them.

I have the freedom to move anywhere in the U.S. as long as I can afford it as an entry-level programmer and a major factor for me is the ability to build wealth for an early retirement.