Technically you need to be able to show some type of hardship which necessitates you making your changes.When the board hears your case the biggest thing they will take into consideration is any opinions of your abutting neighbors.

Less than 1% are certified in renovation loans therefore most of the advices you will hear are just opinions. 

Any thoughts, opinions, stories, and advice would be greatly appreciated!

I am in the researching and planing part and wanted to get peoples opinions one wether or not I should get my real estate License.

I personally would not repair a washer if my lease was written that way.Also, your instincts are correct moving forward in my opinion.

Since being in Florida, I've noticed that a lot of people here (tenants/ friends/ neighbors) have lots of opinions & suggestions on what I should do with my properties but yet have zero invested in it themselves.  

What are the best meetups in your opinion, and would you share the details (when/where)?

In your opinion, what should be my first step.

You must know how to dissect the information and come up with a non-bias opinion.  

For almost every project we’re involved with we can value-engineer the design and or materials selection so there is NO increase in budget for the project which will ultimately be: safer, healthier, more energy efficient (net-zero being the goal), easier to maintain and insure, and feel more comfortable.Investors, in my opinion, are missing an opportunity by not embracing green.