Former gas station with leaking under ground storgage tanks7. woodland with all the trees clear cut8.

And it seems to be getting less clear on where to head.

Dan makes a great point - you want to be clear of any areas that are working on limiting the ability to rent OR cap your rental potential.

I like the idea of getting a great deal, so should I take a pay cut, invest in getting my real estate's license, go the CCIM route, and find a broker to sponsor me until I'm a CRE broker and earn of the commission and get into bigger deals as a GP?

Just make sure to adjust the rent enough to cover the average utility costs and include it clearly in the lease terms.

Cut your losses the first time they miss a payment and start the eviction process.

TY You have a few different options, but a cashout refi on the free and clear property is probably simplest. 

I do not foresee any issues as we are very clear in photos and description of everything. 

Clear and to the point.

As an investor, I always recommend steering clear of SFR.