I am a seasoned IT professional (UI/UX & Multimedia Design).

Method 4: Negotiate a 60-day owner finance.If you find a seller willing to give you a very short-term owner finance (you may want to go 3-4 months just to be sure), you can get the deed in your name and refinance it with either a local bank that doesn't require title seasoning (The same bank that gives me a 15% down payment requirement will also refinance the house based on current value (not my purchase price) as long as the title has been in my name for at least 30 days).If you can't find a bank that will do that, I can do it for you.

The other straight-line hairlines on both the ceiling and walls are likely the drywall seams that have flexed a bit due to the house settling, and seasonal shrinking and expanding from temperature changes.

Also there's many seasoned investor and novices whom share knowledge endlessly.

I can refer you to some seasoned real estate professionals that you can work with to place offers and they can verify your prequalification.

I'm a newbie at investing in the Philadelphia, I'm looking to network with newbies and seasoned investors as well.

I'm wondering if any seasoned investors around the South KC area have any input about neighborhood ratings and where they feel is the best place to invest. 

Also, I've heard to avoid holiday season lease start dates.    

Any advice and wisdom from seasoned investors would be VERY appreciated.

I wouldn't put so much importance on 8k in funds - most seasoned investors would view 8k as a rounding error.