Your prime focus is to insure that they have no additional health concerns staying in the property.

Has anyone tried Brokerspot, Connektor, Grizzly Leads, Deluxer, RevIUp or suggest something that works/has a reasonable spend w good ROI?

You can also get a lower rate on a 30 year fixed and even though its a 30 year loan there is No prepayment penalty so you can pay as much as you want but not obligated to pay more.A Heloc is a credit risk and can "never" be used as an asset or PITI reserve which is required when buying additional properties.

Additionally, the house in Kennesaw is close to KSU and currently used as a student rental, but Cobb county shows 2 unrelated people who can live with each other. 

It is good that you have reported this to the state which will have implications on their license.In addition, I would consider sending them specific emails (for your records) and rekeying the properties and gaining access to them. 

Any suggestions?

However, my uncle who handles short-term rentals suggests I might could make much more turning it into short-term rental. 

Additionally, they affirm the ability to engage with your own qualified vendors who possess the necessary licenses and insurance.

Kind of like if you are new to Chicago and ask your co-workers where to live, they all tell you their neighborhood, because that is what they know.Three things I suggest:1. 

You will need these for the 1099.I highly suggest that you obtain some kind of documentation of any work done.