@Cristian Galvan are you open to a light rehab? 

I think a more "hands on" approach would put him light years ahead from anyone in his circle. 

It was in bad shape so we took a private loan from my parents to renovate 2/3 units, and have been doing work on the property ourselves despite not being licensed (I have done exterior painting, drywall repair, light fixture replacement, small things like that).

You have been warned.

Currently out of need myself (wife and two kids), parents, and two of my special needs brothers are doing a light remodel to the house (mostly due to age or poor construction).

I'm a little worried as this is a friend and I've always been warned about the problems of doing business with friends and family.

HINT (assuming you have more than just a flip phone): wait til dusk, turn all the lights on in the house, and take a landscape picture of your exterior.

Plus, if I have some "Smart" features, I could do smart lighting, connect thermostat and all that to the same hub. 

I've pretty much settled on a light gray for all of the walls and white trim and ceiling. 

Rooms with no ceiling lights are not that uncommon.My living room in my personal home does not have a ceiling light.