And can I somehow prevent them from filing a mechanics lien since I will need to hire someone else to fix everything and repurchase materials like tile?

@Curtis Bonsignore we all started with little to no experience at one point so don't let the fear of not asking the right question prevent you from networking.

I was surprised about the cabinets needing to be removed, and tile going on top of that too, but my contractor said that it could prevent future damage to the subfloor in the event of another leak, because the tile would protect the subfloor.

Sent to you via DM as there was something that prevented me from posting it in the forum. 

@Gabriel L. yes, you should get estoppel agreements, though for a residential property the RI Association of Realtors has a form called the “Confirmation of Rental Terms” which is a little easier to work with but has the same effect.Make sure the tenants sign that form too, not just the seller, since the whole point is to prevent later disputes regarding the rent amounts and security deposits, and make sure you get those completed forms before closing. 

NAR SOP 1-9Realtors shall not1) reveal confidential information of clients; or2) use confidential information of clients to the disadvantage of clients; or3) use confidential information of clients for the REALTOR®’s advantage or the advantage of third parties unless:a) clients consent after full disclosure; orb) REALTORS® are required by court order; orc) it is the intention of a client to commit a crime and the information is necessary to prevent the crime; ord) it is necessary to defend a REALTOR® or the REALTOR®’s employees or associates against an accusation of wrongful conduct.Information concerning latent material defects is not considered confidential information under this Code of Ethics.

You need a clause in your lease to prevent this from coming up.

More importantly, it helps to prevent HIGH humidity in cold weather.

Not knowing how to navigate these waters is preventing me from pulling the trigger.

Hello everyone and thanks in advance for your thoughts.I've been trying to get into real estate for some time but felt the lack of capital prevented me from doing anything (I know, not a legitimate excuse).