So saw them once, they stayed 17 years and I never saw them again.At a single family house in an acclaimed school district, I had bought a house to rent.

I'd consider other factors as well, if CS was $500 a month and the applicant was close without it or was the CS $1,200 and the applicant had 50% ratios,rent to income, a missing CS payment for any reason with an applicant that could not come close to qualifying would be a different issue......those compensating factors I have mentioned before.As mentioned above, you need a copy of the court order and read it carefully, you would assume on child turning 18 would disqualify them, CS often continues if the child remains in school.

Worked my butt off through high school and college.

Can anyone recommend the best school/classes to get licensed in CT?

I'm considering installing old-school hardwood floors and stairs ($65/ stair) to improve the durability and cleanliness of rentals.

Joe Fairless's Syndication School will get you started. www.Syndicationschool.com.He also has a great book on the topic. https://www.amazon.com/Best-Ever-Apartment-Syndication-Book/dp/0997454326/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?

@Joshua Coleman- Hi, I used Real Estate School of Illinois, which I am not sure will be of much use to you. 

Looking for recommendations of a simple book or straight forward (short) video that explains the benefits of real estate investing to a teenager.

Find a market you like with a good future (strong schools, job market, low crime).Learn how to analyze property for good cash flow.Get your finances in order with no debt, a good budget, a personal emergency fund, enough money for the down payment, and a reserve in case anything goes wrong with the rental in the first 6-12 months.Buy.Immediately start educating yourself on how to manage problems (application screening, late rent, unauthorized pets/people, etc.) and saving for the next investment.Here's a guide that describes what good cash flow looks like and how to analyze a property.https://www.biggerpockets.com/...

It is an older home built in 1938, but the place is in decent shape, is furnished and designed old-school but could be very easy to make look decent with some cosmetic additions/changes around the house.