So the best solution is to buy a house needing extensive renovation for cheap and use that discount to change the layout when you bring it up to living standards. 

Hard money isn’t cheap, so bridging that with a seller carry might help you short-term, from what I’ve heared.

Gentrification follows the formula of cheap rent+ east commute to downtown + open vacant space for restaurants and bars + proximity to another gentrified neighborhood that is getting to expensive so people expand their search to surrounding.  

Send a Lease Violation Notice immediately - by mail with proof of delivery required (cheap date through post office) and or affix the notice in a envelope with his name on it on the door of the unit. 

One or the other I'd say....And IMHO, electric fireplaces look cheap, even the expensive ones.....

Can someone please suggest a cheap skiptracing software?

I accept the need for a competent PM and the reality that competence typically ain't cheap.

I do shy away from small cheap houses - 3/1 or 2/1 in bad areas or that are on a pier and beam type foundation.

Additionally, the price point is still cheap enough to find the 1% rule and positive cash flow and there's amazing appreciation potential.

Non performing assets are why the notes are so cheap and give great returns.