The sellers accepted and now the electrician is going out closing day and he'll have a check in hand to do the work.

A "simple" question but get different answers from rent control office and property management company: is my unit under rent control?

You are going to want it cleaned and filters changed in order to help get rid of the smoke smell.You are going to want to wash every surface that you can get your hands on -- walls, windows, fixtures, painting may be easier depending on how bad it was.

Please click on the links, give them a read, and share your thoughts in the comments.First is a post that I feel will help not get overwhelmed with the amount of info that is here on BP:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52761-the-simple-guide-to-getting-started-on-bp The second is a post that will help get you focused with your real estate investing goals:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52743-im-new-to-bp-any-advice-would-be-appriciatedThe last one is a post that will help you choose an “investor friendly” real estate agent.

Keep it simple.....Find out when is the last time their rent was raised....if it's been over a year.....ask the housing authority in writing about raising it to market rates....then see what they say.....Sect 8 tenants CAN be a source of guaranteed income so don't kick them out arbitrarily .....only to end up with tenants that pay "market rate".....but are constantly late on rent or causing problems....I have Sect 8 tenants and non sect 8 tenants in Ohio and California and my Set. 8 tenants are FAR less "maintenance" than the others.

If you have all that then you are in a position to partner on a deal and thus finding someone who has the hands on experience to take over the aspects you aren't comfortable with (while still allowing you to "watch and learn"). i.e.

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.  

On the other hand, the education you might gain may be worth doing it. 

As for the people that say don't do it, I'm pretty sure they think he will be doing it by hand, and not using a licensed plumber.

Sometimes this alignment can be fixed with a simple conversation with a very good attorney and the city's attorney.The real question is will it be worth the expense and potential discrimination that could follow from the city - I have heard stories where the city will have their inspectors get very rigid when they do not get what they want to make the owner's life more difficult.