On page optimization (essentially rewriting all your content so it’s unique and will help rankings), off-page (all your local listings, directories, etc), back-link building, consistent content creation, getting that content on high authority pages as a third party contributor, ideally linking back to your site, etc.

I am thinking about offering financial aid in a way that would benefit both parties by paying his 35k personal loan off and essentially offering a "re-fi" situation.  

Essentially, if you can prove that your payment is what you say it is then a lender WITH NO OVERLAYS should use that documented payment.  

Your contractor will need to draw up a scope of repairs and/or drawings for use of the loan $$, which should essentially be standard bidding process. 

I looked over some area codes with a realtor at AmandaHoward and going off what she said Madison and the Five Points area are two great areas although dealing with the the 5points area you are dealing with highly desirable houses but the houses are old and in a historic district so you have to jump through several hoops 

I actually have a good friend whose mother is a district manager for USPS so maybe she would be able to tell me if that would be appropriate.

Our property is in a good school district and a decent neighborhood, so I believe we can attract quality tenants otherwise.We've considered the idea of putting of fencing down the middle of the back yard or something similar.

On the other, you are doing all the work, and essentially, the investor gets more return than you since you lose all of the time associated with the property.

Without a contract you essentially have nothing.  

Budget out non-essential expenses to get started if needed.Then I would help pay my child's reasonable in-state tuition with property cash-flow.