With $80,000 you could get into three deals and you are accredited so you have plenty of choices. 

I would also question if spending time on real estate investing is the best choice at this point.

ITP - this is mostly on the westside but I do know some folks doing well in the south ATL neighborhoods and if you like STR, sticking around the airport would be smart. 

I would say if you could get in the high end on that range $2800 and month, then keeping would be good choice. 

I think it is smart to refer to yourself as the PM regardless if you are also the owner.As for what he should do?  

Hi Taylor,Free work in return for lowered rent might not be such a good idea.It would be Smart to go in person and see examples of the person's previous work (of the same kind you want done).I've seen (for example) gypsum board punched holes replaced that were  -->99.999% Invisible<-- and on the other hand, tub work by the same individual that was "childish" at best.I've had other instances of Handymen describing their work in various glowing terms, and according themselves with various (made up) glowing titles (master this, and certain grade experts)--claiming unbelievable past projects--who were no-shows or no-finishers.It's best to understand what the repair needs yourself, such as "Blue Board" or "Purple Board" and sealant XYZ vs just relying on statements such as I have done these for years--yes that may be true, but at what quality (if quality counts to you--it may not).You also may want to spec that you want the area left Broom Clean when the work is done, and make sure to provide a dumpster if there will be large demo taking place.Good Luck!

@Andrea M.It is a choice to pay origination fees.

A lot of people are where they are in life because they made choices to do so.

From a basic level solar allows people a choice of how much they want to spend on electricity.

There are also plenty of banks that will have no fee business accounts which is my top choice.