Watching my house be built was an art as they had all the subs doing what they needed building batches of 5-6 houses like a well oiled machine.

That said though, it is a vehicle for me to pursue my life passions of primitive skills, permaculture, health & wellness and mixed martial arts.

They are not new but you may not have read them.The Power of Habit - great book for understanding your own and other peoples habits.Hmm, most of the books I can think of have been mentioned on the BP podcasts.Buy and Hold by David Schumacher is great.The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing - great for getting your own house in order.not a book, but a blog - Mr Money Mustache - great for getting your own life focused if Financial freedom is your thing. 

Street art scene also good right?

Is there much in the "game" of trying to boost NOI and refinance on NOI * Cap Rate, or is it just the case of getting one single mortgage and it's the art of trying to simply negotiate with the seller to get a good deal in the first place?

What I find most hopeful is the art scene- there are some dedicated artists who are doing a lot in town including teaching the kids and hosting an awesome community fair-type gathering weekly. 

Actually, beginning may be a little liberal.

  #2)  not owing anybody anything is liberating.  

Originally posted by @Art Maydan:@Jered Sturm What would realistically happen if I were to move out in 6 months, rent both units, and continue making mortgage payments without telling the lender I moved?

Tenant screening becomes a bit more of an art than a science when the status quo for the location is low income and bad credit.