The guy I'm buying from is completely remodeling 3 of the four units, and I may be able to talk him into kicking the last lady out, who will be gone before closing anyways, and remodeling all 4.

But not everyone wants to be a landlord/lady, and some really do get the technique and systems down for successful flips and become wealthy doing it.

Ladies--is ED affecting your life?  

Here's an example that is contempo, clean, simple, metal with wood (for continuity to the floor), and it mounts in the same way as your existing balustrade:https://www.hubush.com/modern-stair-railing-ideas/...The hanging fixture examples might be a bit ornate for your architecture.

I know of an apartment that had a cat lady.  

The house is most likely dated, as I presume he has not modernized it in recent years!

It's all about building lasting relationships that call for win-win situations.Thanks a lot ladies and gentsCody

Does anything need to be modernized?

There WILL be stress as you search for that initial property to buy at a good price, and as you learn how to deal with tenants, get phone calls for a leaky toilet while you're having supper with the family, or that crazy cat lady with pee all over the carpet. 

They're all shiny, new, and modern.