After one summer of STRs I came back in the winter took a first lean mortgage on the property to replace the roof (and build my RV which I plan on living in while renting in the summer).

If you plan on using any type of financing tread lightly.

Why would you have any care of concern about utilities?

I have asked, begged and yelled about the safety situation and he just doesn’t care.

I plan on focusing on cold calling, mailers, PPC ads.

I hired a virtual designer for a few thousand dollars and after giving her dimensions/walkthrough she had a buy list and floor plan ready in two weeks.

Just having things out on the sink without an "anchor" like a dish or basket makes it seem like they are junk when in actually it is very well planned out.

Care to explain?

It always seems to take longer, cost more and cause more stress than I plan 

Decide on your readiness financially and risk tolerance before developing an investment plan that is comprehensive but is able to grow into a long term wealth purpose.Good luck!