I was told that a ground-floor condo are better than a second floor condo ( If there's no elevator and Stairs are present).

My plan for this year is improve my credit, get my real estate license (to increase my income on top of my W-2), possibly career transition into the property management space (to learn more), and save as much as possible and learn as much as I can.I’d love to house hack close to home but my area is so expensive it seems like it’d be close to impossible. 

Adding paint and replacing flooring is not going to add much value in the typical case.  

Can you arrange for counters, floors, painting other “basics” without him tacking on his 20%?

The reality is that you will not find that in the seller finance space, and even if you do, there will be virtually no discount. 

MHP is a mature space with many proven operators.

They are a commodity, and owners are competing directly against hotels in this space, so rents are ultra low.

Focus on key areas first (like floors, walls, kitchen, or bathroom), which may help you handle the costs more gradually, even if it means moving in furniture or updating fixtures down the line.Also, since the tenant left it in rough shape, be sure to document all the damage (photos, receipts) in case you decide to pursue reimbursement through their security deposit or in court.

And will never find out because the open-space advocates won their measure while the developers measure failed by a whopping 63%! 

From what i understand, the space heaters are a big fire hazzard. does your insurance allow them?