However the way to get top dollar is to owner carry.

If there is a window opening you can use, it will already have a header installed and/or the load is carried by either side of that window.

It will give you a LOT of comfort and easily allow you to see through BS with threatening tenants.Generally, tenants cannot withhold rent unless you don't take any action to fix the "problems" within a timely manner (in VT that's 30 days, of course this doesn't apply to issues that would make a unit uninhabitable, like if the furnace goes out in February). 

I am not familiar with the specifics of NC, but generally speaking, you want to ensure that you have all of your leases, notifications, etc documented appropriately and provided in a timely manner.  

But to get that answer, Desmond and Wilmers would have to get their nice clean academic hands dirty and see why running these rentals is so difficult and unpleasant, takes so much time and effort, and carries with it as much risk as it does.I'm not saying there aren't plenty of out-and-out slumlords whose business model is very clearly to take advantage of poor people by any means necessary, legal or illegal.

The interest carry will eat your profits fast especially if you struggle to get the project done and sold quickly.The best way to get started is by wholesaling not flipping.

It looks like I may have to carry the brunt of the cost as I know that my aunt doesn't have the money to chip in ie "sold the land in the 1st place."

I have a few buildings in the Massachusetts area: some 4-plex and 6-plex.I used to have NREIG / Affinity carrying my whole portfolio. 

I suppose carrying on with the above vetting if I want to consider?

I'm pretty conservative by nature, so I'm not too worried about getting into a bidding frenzy, but the added emphasis on it will be a good reminder if I get carried away.