To me video games are a total waste of time but don't discount the need to disconnect sometimes and just relax.

Step Penultimate:Once you get a response from an owner of one of the vacant homes, just negotiate to buy it at a discount for all cash and get it under contract.

Then if the project sells in 10-months which is not uncommon in my market where permits can take way too long, you pay an addition 4 pts in extension fees.

Because he had a mortgage of $6k/mth and a car note of $2k/mth...in addition to his other household expenses. 

@John Chin basically hit the nail on the head.I don't think you can discount the impact of laziness, either.

Potential new payment on additional Versa for myself would be $175 for 3 years (total guess)Is it beneficial to try and trade this thing in on another 2015 Nissan and end up with owing $6000 or so and have a much smaller, shorter payment?

Many members are experts in their respective fields related to real estate investing, whether that is real estate brokerage, wholesaling, flipping, buy and hold, lending, self-directed IRA and Solo 401k investing, or tax and legal guidance.There are some pretty cool discounts on various products and services offered as Perks to BP members that you might want to check out: https://www.biggerpockets.com/perks/pro

I'm interested in picking up some additional properties. 

@Percy N. my immediate thought as well...My banker (not my credit union - I have both, and there are good and bad for this) and I have discussed the HELOC and it's 5.5% with no additional cost/fees, etc...

Even if it's nominal, or even if you get no additional rent, working on the place while occupied is cheaper than having it sit vacant while you do that work.