You are very possibly into a fire escape if there is no second means of egress.The trouble is even though it may have functioned as a triplex at one time, now you are looking at a new occupancy certificate, possibly bringing things up to modern code that the original triplex would not meet.

The reason I decided to pay them (which wasn't much, less than $40 including chocolate for the cashiers) was that they were able to follow my guide lines using their system avoiding hours of online research and sifting through properties I wasn't interested in, and starting the relationship building with the ladies at the county office.

I went to the bessemer tax office a to ask about this and they said to just sign the redemption letter and let them (apex bank) in knoxville tn. prove that they hold the lien. when i spoke with the lady representing this bank she said the owners used property as collateral on a loan that was defaulted on , so i guess i have 2 questions in this thread. 

@Frank Bee ,There is a continuum of perspectives on whether to use leverage (i.e. debt) on the passive rental properties or pay all cash.On one end of that continuum, I know a widow lady in Denver that used her life savings to buy a $250k rental duplex for cash several years ago.

I said lady  those are my lots what are you doing trying to sell MY LOTS ..

I personly wouldn't replace the fridge yet and would wait before replacing it(maybe after current tenant moves out, or it actually breaks); but before you decide on buying a new fridge at least do a quick Google search on the model and brand because nowadays most of the "Modern" locking and "Fancy" fridges have very very poor design, such as: leaking ice trays, going through coolant faster than usual, freezing drains that constantly cause water pooling, etc.  

If the current system was built in the modern era (say 1990 to present), the town/city should have a copy of the septic system design on file (HHE-200 form).

I would spend your money on renovating units with more modern paint colors/fixtures instead.

Modern Carpentry," 12th edition, is a very good trade-school text.Now, for what you specifically asked about:"Renovating Old Houses," by George Nash, is a good, but not a great text.

So the puzzle is:Number 1GU29 0QY, Midhurst UK. 3 bed house.101 year old lady dies, the house is sold to a massive property developer (23million + turnover in 2016) who buys it blind at auction and sits on it doing nothing for one year.