Particularly when looking at real estate as an asset to invest in vs. alternative investments (equities, bonds, commodities, etc.), it seems silly to me to ignore total returns.

Find a local lender that specializes in dealing with first time homebuyer clients in general.

You're best bet is to start networking with attorneys that specialize in probate. :)

Is there somebody out there with properties in both South Carolina and North Carolina (specially Charlotte and surrounding areas) that would be able to compare the property taxes from each state.

Most lenders do not specialize in renovation and thus it is not handled as a specialty.  

Even in this case an apology will help increase the chances of a mutual agreed departure from the property.Do you have a lawyer specializing in landlord/tenant that you can refer your landlords to if things move into the eviction process? 

These docs help you determine whether any special assessments are coming up. 

Investors who have diversified their assets beyond real estate into retirement accounts which include a significant portion of bonds will fare better than those with overleveraged debt and nothing in the bank.

Talk to a CPA who specializes (or at least is recommended by local RE investors. 

I have one crew that specializes in nothing but flooring one crew that just does remodeling work and one crew that does nothing but trim.