I bet it would cost $250ish/door to get them stripped (by dipping) and then refinished.

That is a busy area and I bet the road noise is obnoxious.3.

I have held a lot of jobs and never have gotten more satisfaction knowing that everything I do is for me  and my families' future than right now (yes I know I am selfish).I say if you are hesitant and waiting for that perfect moment just stop an place a bet on yourself and you will surprise yourself at how much you can accomplish.

Once you have a property under contract you now have potential buyers lined up, instead of getting a property and hoping to find a buyer.  2) GENERATING LEADS Yellow letter campaigns, bandit signs, billboards and yard signs can help you generate leads but I think your best bet is to advertise yourself as the "expert" in your neighborhood on buying houses.  

Honestly at this point I think my best bet is finding an owner with no mortgage interested in an installment sale.

I would bet money they will double.  

Your best bet is to get the owner's permission (in writing, preferably on the contract) so you don't have to worry about any legal ramifications or people getting frustrated that you're advertising or showing a property you don't own. 

I would check up with your town zoning laws to see how this works  I think most investments require 20% down, but I bet some with more experience then me will be able to help you out!

I would bet that rock is mortared on to a brick structure.

Best bet is to learn as much as you can and build a network...