The question you should be asking yourself is what kind of investments do you like?

I just want to be a sponge! 

Can't speak to the organization in Michigan but generally the benefits of a well run STRA far outweigh the costs.I am a property manager in Hawaii so we are constantly being hit with new anti-STR legislation and have a large, well-funded hotel lobby to deal with constantly.

@Matthew Lamoreaux I think if you can find a rental, long-term or short-term, that cash flows well in today's market then this should be a factor that should be viewed as icing on the cake and should be used as a potential solidifier of a deal.

I am a division one soccer player and have been blessed to be done with my last years with no debt.

I know it will not be 100% accurate, but I want to be able to have a range in terms of prices for renovations, just from eyeing the property myself.

Take good photos and write a good description and you should be fine. 

Some HML in ohio might be able to lend you both the purchase and rehab.

I've read the J-boxes also need to be sealed somehow but I'm not sure how.

And, be prepared to walk away.