I paid that prorated rent in full and never received a notice or anything that I hadn't paid for the full months rent. 

Unused contingency funds, unless they were received directly from the borrower, must be used to reduce the outstanding balance of the renovation mortgage after all of the renovation work has been completed and the certification of completion has been obtained.The loan is not re-amortized.Draw Schedule: The HomeStyle program has a maximum 4 draw process.The initial draw can be up to 25% of the total project and can be for materials for the project.The final draw will be at least 10% of the total project as retainage and funds will be released upon receipt and approval of final inspection, Certificate of Completion from Appraiser, signed All Bills Paid Affidavits and Lien Waivers.Additional Draw Information: Signed Draw Request by borrower and contractorSigned All Bills Paid Affidavitreview and approve the draw request and will release funds for disbursementA check will be issued in the name of the borrower and contractor and delivered to borrower via USPSAn inspection of work to date will be performed at 50% completeFinal Draw Information: Signed Draw RequestFinal inspection/Completion Certificate will be required for release of final fundsA Title Update showing property free from lien or encumbranceGeneral Contractor’s Lien Waiver AffidavitAffidavit of Completion GMG will review and approve the draw request and will release a check in the name of the borrower and contractor.Change Orders and Cost Overruns: Changes to the initial plan are not permitted unless prior approval by Gateway Mortgage.

I received an email with "unpaid" taxes from the county along with a lengthy explanation that the attachment is not delinquent (after I asked specifically) taxes owners. 

I’m assuming that they will receive any tax benefits arising from owning the property versus our company on title.

You also caught my attention with purchasing a portfolio rather than individual properties.

So if you have an opportunity to receive funds now, and spend them on other income producing funds, then this is a superior method to paying down debt in order to receive funds 10 years from now. 

(Well, minus expenses, obviously, but I'm just oversimplifying my example.)If you waive one month, then you only receive $11k, and you report $11k income, and you pay taxes on only $11k.

Let me know if you ever want to grab a coffee and talk.

I wasn't expecting such a warm welcome considering I am a newbie but what I have received thus far has made me much more comfortable in getting more involved.

Biggest recommendation I think you will receive consists of becoming an agent while you are attending college OR working for a property management + contractor.