We have found houses the traditional way - through the Multi Listing Service (MLS), through foreclosure auctions, off of craigslist (that really weren't scams!)

My issue is that I come from a low income background and have fought my *** off, pardon my language to get to where I am now and comfortable.

At $1200 monthly rent after the increase, It would still be cheaper by $100 for them to stay versus finding a similar home, but they may not see it that way and I don't want to piss them off or make them leave because a $100 increase could be a shocker. 

If this is the case I would hold off until you see a monthly payment difference worth pulling the trigger on.

I found an off market 4 pack of houses that seem to be in great shape.

FYI there are also products to remove stains to where you place it, leave it, and practically peel it off like school glue once it's ready to be removed.

I believe the main trade off is liquidity and transaction costs. 

Make sure with a blanket mortgage that you're able to sell off a property if you desire.  

This does not include the tax write-offs for new systems and the expense of installing them.

How many times did did your BS Meter go off in this thread?