^This will help promote you with other people who have keywords set up for your area.

What are some good ways to promote my business ? 

If approximately 25 units (47% of 53 units) are vacant simply because of a need of updating, immediately after purchase, why not immediately decrease the rent on say 15 of the 25 vacant units by an amount (e.g. 10%) to increase your short-term cash flow by enticing tenants to overlook some of the required renovations for a slightly lower rent. 

(Note that the entire amount of interest will be charged to you should any balance remain at the end of the promotional period, so make sure you pay it off before it is due, or you will be on the hook for all the interest.)

Is a transfer/promotion to another area a possibility?

They talk about promotion in a few years, and I see that as my timeline to scoot from the position.

Investors need take care, the operators and promoters may not be all that experienced.  

But, getting involved in government red-tape isn't enticing either.Is this nonchalant attitude normal or is this a big red flag?  

Or, actually, many people would be better served to live below their means, save $$, try to get promotions/raises at work (or work a 2nd job, maybe as a part time RE agent), and pay off their existing high interest rate debts before they try to make it in real estate.

But the consistent income and tax deduction are mighty enticing.