You are going to want it cleaned and filters changed in order to help get rid of the smoke smell.You are going to want to wash every surface that you can get your hands on -- walls, windows, fixtures, painting may be easier depending on how bad it was.

Remember what we said about routine—it’s not always a bad thing.

I would strongly suggest that you pursue a different career path.

So all in all not bad. 

My father and I are thinking about getting a partner to help with the down payment on a fourplex but are hesitant because of the need to split the profits. I think it is a bit greedy, but this is our first with potent...

I would not think it would be a a bad idea if you could vet the plumber that is being used.

Bad tenants try to game it (you). 

I have have seen several "bad" appraisals and it is near impossible to dispute them. 

Now if you use a private lender then it is whatever you can negotiate and get them to agree to.Banks and even hard money lenders want you to have "Skin in the Game" In other words they want you to have some of your own money at risk so if things go bad you are less likely to walk away.

On the positive side, I feel that if I can buy this thing whole and stick with it for a year or so (renovating along the way), I will have a solid foundation for a real estate career.