If that is all ok then get a very good local realtor to run comps in that area to determine the conservative value of the home once you've completed the renovation work(ARV).

Happy to connect if you have any specific questions you are looking to get answered or just want a general run down of the investing landscape here.

I had an electrician run wires in an attic, telling me up front that the house won't be up to codes, he's only doing the one or two things I asked.

There are so many plays to run in this game I don't have time to type them all. 

We Normally put steel posts nearby so no one runs into them.In the third picture one unit is just in front of the picture, then a second unit is at the far end on a post.These can be set off by deep fog, rain or sleet. 

As mentioned, one could run it sec8, for more $, and the sec8 waiting list has been full for 7+ years now.

As agents I think marketing and vehicles can be the biggest tax deductions can not ?

Short term rentals do get more money, but also cost more to run and require more time.  

You have the tools and mindset that work with larger scale commercial so I would network until you meet someone who may let you run some of their deals with them and see what they look like in person.

For example, if you are buying in an area that is in are 1980s and above, you might run into a roof that is tile and the paper under the tile needs to be replaced the day you close.