I'm giving myself the next week or so to sift through this wealth of info to get a solid foundation and begin to get a better idea of what exactly I need supplements for.

Tile is also more traditional in those parts of the country than wood. 

To answer some of your questions, I know my market, rent prospects are solid, repair costs are conservative and ROI is plus 15%.  

I intend to purchase many more properties in the region so I'd like to build a solid management team.

Love the wood trim on the ceiling - nice touch.

I agree with @Steve Vaughan sanding the floors should solve the problem since the staining only usually goes so deep in the wood.

I recently joined the BP community not too long ago myself and currently in NorCal and have been increasingly digging into all of the resources on here about starting REI - I must agree with you also that this warm welcoming community supplemented by solid advice left and right makes you feel so supported and able!

@Chris Wood, Welcome to BiggerPockets.

Is it cheaper to go metal v. wood?

Seems like a good solid return, too.