Besides that though, I believe there is a finish level that can separate your units apart.  

., why not just hang drywall over the particle board and finish it with a updated semi-gloss paint?

Because there is a lack of deals but not enthusiasm, so they sell courses to newbies who are so late to the party its not even funny.

Some of the tenants are behind on rent and made it obvious that they were hoping to get this lawsuit finished so they can pay rent with the proceeds.

Take it for what it's worth, mainly a prediction, but the investment firm I work at seems to think recession is likely late 2019/early 2020 with stock market seeing declines before that.  

I would also keep maintenance issues in mind, so try avoid adding stuff that will be a late night fix.

It appears that the 2008 recession actually started in 2007 and people just didn't realize it was happening until it was too late and we had the major Wall St fiasco. 

Ideally, I would do most of my house-hunting prior to heading down, and then near my graduation date finish the paperwork.

Or 4 to 5% and no points, maybe the cost of an appraisal, and a month or two to finish it up, for a HELOC.  

Hello BP Community,As I have been researching developing markets lately, I have taken the time to immerse myself within my community that I live in to learn more about my immediate market.