If they're unpainted, use Loxon Block Surfacer as a primer, with 2 coats of A-100. 

However, if you stagger the purchases in the right fashion, we will be able to start using the rental income from our first purchase to help the debt to income ratio on the later purchases.

The main thing is to A) Not hold up other work, B) Not ruin finished surfaces. 

Even a cheaper option would be to take that plywood and simply sit it on top of the existing shelving to provide a flat surface. 

(on the surface it seems like a no go)When using the Rental Property Calc on BP should I input 2bd 1.5 bath units or the full 8bd 8.5 baths?

Good news is that most lenders have compressed margins in some fashion ... if you are dealing with a reputable lender.  

On the surface you would think that would be a big enough list to include al the major vendors.

On the surface it looks like an OK deal but it is not a really great deal.

As previous posters indicated, the tiling itself it pretty easy, it's getting the surface prepped that is trickier and requires more knowledge.

The "old fashion" way would be to go to Apts.com for instance, to a certain extend, Rentometer where you can search for apartments in a specific area.