That chimney should definitely get a stainless steel liner If the chimeny liners in bad shape if there even is one.

I think you should definitely create an airtight lease that includes the terms John mentioned as well as any other terms that are relevant to your property and your state's landlord-tenant laws.

So you definitely want to know those things ahead of time. 

I am definitely NOT married to this idea, looking to learn.

If you don't reach out to me, definitely consider reaching out to Scott. 

I definitely think that would help with the appraisal.

But once again, you don't want to 'kill a fly with a hammer' on your solution so definitely give it the due diligence it deserves with a professional.  

I love this site and will definitely do that.

He went over the inspection with us so quickly that it was pretty confusing and all of the areas of "flaking paint" looked the same as other parts of the exterior that he didn't seem to have an issue with, and his definition of "flaking paint" seemed VERY strict, yet not so strict for other areas of the exterior.

Definitely get the cat out of the picture.