The house was in livable but cosmetically ugly condition (no light fixtures, closets, kitchen cabinets destroyed with paint, etc).

I would have to agree with @Matt Devincenzo This is why many people wont put some random person it touch with my private lenders as most of my private lenders will only make loans to people they have a history with.  

@Rhett Tullis - I also worry that i wont even get a shot because of the 'owner occupant' period.

Numbers typically wont work because properties are too expensive.

The previous owners likely destroyed hundreds of thousands of dollars in value by their poor management.

I also use a 5 page 1 year lease b/c I feel its in my best interest in court for the protection of my property instead of a month to month.The way I see it the faster I get the problem tenant out the faster I can find a good long term tenant that will pay and I wont have to call and beg for my rent.

They could destroy the home.

I have a good relationship with the school so filling the houses with students wont be a problem at all.

The windows and glass were in safe and operable condition as of April 30, 2014.The dispute arises due to the “damage” incurred to the building during a recent bout of the Santa Ana Winds on May 1, 2014, which falls under the category of “other casualty.”Tenant refers to the Lease Agreement: page 3 of 6, #26, Damage to Premises, which states:”If, by no fault of Tenant, Premises are totally or partially damaged or destroyed by fire, earthquake, accident, OR OTHER CASUALTY, Landlord shall have the right to restore the Premises by repair or rebuilding.

So, yes, to get a genuine worth while mentor one must pay for it, but wont have funds enough to match deals lost to teach.