Building a rental portfolio is a great investment strategy but the growth is not a smooth 45 degree line up and to the right. 

@Paul Whitford I really have to wonder what a higher degree in real estate would offer you.

The interior wall surfaces are all tongue and groove boards (cedar), there are visible nicotine stains on the air returns.Every single surface will need to be cleaned in some capacity, but I am left scratching my head at effective solutions.I've found a few anecdotal recommendations about using white vinegar or TrisodiumPhosphate, but when you need to scrub the walls and the ceilings of a 1700+ sqft house that seems pretty daunting and time consuming given that it is tongue and groove.

Currently a 23 year old desk jockey without a degree.

But I can tell you to some degree you were "played" as you say.

I'm always conscious about the sub-floor and it's imperfections, Metro did a pretty good job at smoothing things out (to a degree).

Analysts usually stay as analyst and perform a specific function.If you want a J-O-B as an analyst then most commercial firms require at least a bachelors in it and preferably a masters degree to pay salary etc.At my company I make most of my employees potential income performance based.It's just human nature for a lot of people to be lazy.

There is an oversupply of debt-ridden degree holders and an acute shortage of skilled tradesmen. 

When you have an elevator you enlarge the buyer pool to a degree.

If you want a job done quickly, the price will increase, and the quality may suffer to a degree.