I'd also say the layout of the units will have a lot to do with how successful the rent by the room method would be. 

If you recommend the non-degree seeking course method, what classes would you recommend? 

We lined up 7 different contractors including home inspection, plumbing, roofers, other GCs, and flooring estimates.

New roof, electrical, AC, windows, plumbing, added a 2nd shower,12x20 deck off the back door, all new interior/exterior doors, tile in bathroom floors and LVT the rest of the house.

And if you spread your indexing over different crediting methods you can insure that there will never be a 0 either.These products are complex and need a good agent who knows how to optimize your policy to minimize the fee (and his/her commission) and maximize your return.

If Royal Oak is where you have contacts for help--contractors, plumbing, electrical etc--start your landlord journey there and then, once you have your systems in order, expand to other areas. 

I don't mind Boarded homes as i am looking into the BRRR method for of the properties in the area. it just needs to have a good upside for refinancing.

For the BRRR method, you have to analyze 2 strategies buy and hold and a flip, as this can get complex for a beginner.

The advantage of this method is that you don't need to qualify for a loan and your cash is limited to her payment.

I wanted to basically learn the strategy others use when it comes to thinking about cash out refi as this is my first rodeo in the cash out refi world Thank you  I'm not a big fan of the BRRRR method (I don't think of it as a strategy)...it leaves me in the cold.It's not what it's billed out to be:1 - When you refi your cash flow goes down (as you've stated)2 - You're still leaving a lot of equity in the property being financed, going to waste3 - It's NOT your money you're getting in cash anyway.