It's a personal decision based on a lot of factors. if you purchase one rent-ready or cash flowing, you do so based strictly on your whatever your personal investing goal and style is.

I hope what you mentioned is true regarding some not studying the area before buying, because I know how much I do and will continue to.

Ideally, you will be able to find recently (last 6 months, or even the last few weeks) sold properties (at least three) that are as identical in features (style, beds, baths, square footage, lot size, condition) in the same neighborhood as your subject property. 

Standard is for me is high end clients who want to improve their home and return the beauty into their ease style and comfort.

Likewise, you can continue doing that as long as you’re willing to move around.

I work full time in the technology area and plan to continue to as I love what I do. 

If you want to be a tenant and get all the rights of a tenant, just contact the landlord, explain the situation and ask to apply or at least sublease while your BF is away... unless you don't qualify, I'm sure he/she would be perfectly fine just continuing it with you vs. having a vacancy. 

The framework was up there from me, which I realized was a mistake so I stopped building months ago to obtain a permit before continuing.

Next, there is a high chance that you continue on and no one gets at you. 

She grew up in a time before the American materialistic life style existed.