The repairs we did were minimal except for the septic repair which costed a few thousand dollars.

Repairs we did were minimal except for the failed septic which costed a few thousand dollars.

He is also a contractor who says we need minimal (2.5K) repairs to make them "livable" - that term scares me. 

@Meir GreenblattI used to think the same way you did as it sounds like a great idea in theory (limit capex for a minimal fee).

I have many friends that have been moving there from Downtown/OTR, Wast Walnut Hills, etc.

Dumb suggestions and concerns make me feel like ok I'm wasting my time.

I also am playing around with the idea of making a 3rd bedroom in one or all of them if possible as they have a lot of wasted space . 

I know I have a lot more to learn but I don't want to waste time and feel I should take action pretty soon.I started building credit already and I read/listen to real estate related stuff everyday.

I would much prefer an empty apartment to one filled with a questionable tenant.As @Jonathan Taylor Smith said, you need to have your qualifications in writing so as to minimize the perception of discrimination. 

Proximity to Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld help a lot with minimizing vacancy.