In terms of financing, I would again, do a bit of You tubing and internet searching.

From a quick internet search I have not found any investing groups near me, but I would be interested in starting one if there is more interest.

If you closed them on the unit with a wooden deck and now you are removing the wooden deck it might be best to call them and give them an update on this.Allow maybe 24 hours for them to think it over--do they still want to rent--do they still want to rent at that price.If it's no and if it were mine I would cancel the the contract, and write one for a lower price or find another renter who wants no deck.If they say yes, get something in writing saying they agree to no deck and make that a part of the lease paperwork.Maybe a pretty paver patio instead.There are DIY instructions for these all over youtube.If you are into the Feng shui thing, some people use a garden hose to lay out a curved edge like in the pic below.Good Luck!

Planned to split into a duplex at first but didn't want to ruin the beautiful layout for when it is decided to sell.

Purchase price: $155,000 Cash invested: $40,675 Planned to split into a duplex at first but didn't want to ruin the beautiful layout for when it is decided to sell.

Beware internet promoted schemes like being your own property manager. 

I know someone who installed a ring doorbell and because their internet keeps going down, their doorbell doesn’t maintain its connection.

That doesn't mean to just buy stuff up just cause someone on the internet told you too, like Gamestop.

Can I suggest, add a strong Referal plan beyond internet lead gen.  

just check with your department of real estate there.. lay out your plan and how your going to operate and ask them if a license is required.. that's the best way.. everything else is just on line opinions...