Currently I'm taking the time to cultivate genuine relationships/friendships with other investors while learning investing terminology and calculations...etc.

The problem is they drywalled the entire area but stupidly never insulated the ceiling and walls.The drywall is in great shape so I would hate  to rip it out and have to redo it only to put fiberglass insulation in.I could try to take it down but salvage the existing drywall and attempt to reinstall it but even if I could locate and take out all of the screws its probably more effort than it's worth.The other option I have is slow rising spray foam.  

I'm hoping to be in the "relaxing" phase in a maximum of 15 years, minimum 6.I'm well aware that nothing that yields rewards come without putting forth the effort but I've got my mind made up that I WILL NOT be putting forth substantial effort into making money until I die.  

Does all the additional cost and effort lead to a higher sales price, though?

Then do you deal.A L/O is sale arrangement entering into an agreement to transfer title, your agent would be entitled to the commission if they were the procuring cause, having it listed, it would be difficult to show your optionee never saw the listing, IMO.You don't really need to tell the agent there is an option, unless the listing or their efforts brought this potential buyer to you.Some listing agreements have lease clauses, read you listing agreement.

I would be interested in knowing if either organization has made any effort to look at current data in these markets to solidify these sketchy results.  

But don't do what one of our friends did.In an effort to get them 'clean' before painting he power washed the roofing tile.But he did a nice job painting the vinyl siding after the cleaned sections of the roof had to be replaced.The paint on the vinyl siding held up well, the roof not so good.good luck & post b4/aft pics.

I need to rely on my GC for estimating rehab costs at this point but I'm making a strong effort to learn enough to filter through deals and only pull him in when there is potential so I can have more scheduling flexibility and don't burn him out looking at deals that aren't good.2.

What is your budget of time and money to dedicate to this effort?

Either way, be consistent with it and after a long enough time to honestly evaluate your marketing effort, either continue it or stop it, ie...green light/red light.