Looks like a great deal and the reno came right in time with plenty of time to rent the units before winter.

I don't personally know of any, but in Tim Ferrise's book "The Four Hour Work Week" he talks about VA's and has some recommendations in there.That's his website below, he might have information there also...

I have been there for about a half dozen of these, and they are not that pleasant. 

Areas like Bessemer, Pleasant Grove, Adamsville, Forestdale, Leeds, Moody, and Pell City are all great options you may want to take a closer look at.

I put my prejudice aside and was very pleasantly surprised by the interview. 

If they did it right and took care of the mold in time.

Easy answer: It depends. tldr: Worth it if you have the money AND the mentor is qualified and experienced to teach.Everyone pays to learn, either in time or money or a combination of both.

Tell her a new owner probably will want to move in that unit, and they can in time.

In Times Square where they are making insane amounts of money, they can afford to pay landlords 50% of revenue.

I see places in around the "pleasant street" area at good prices and hear talk of the neighborhood being revitalized, but have yet to see if that is really happening?