Hello- i need some input, i bought a house that does not have a permanent light fixture in the living and dining room.

Next, I would send a letter, or go talk to the tenant in person, and let them know that it has come to your attention that they have been smoking "in" the apartment and that per their lease that is not allowed.

I want to pay that debt off and  renovate the houses.

How about the other person in your 'we' from your post?

Sold that house a few months ago.

. - A lot of your decision will come down to your personal risk tolerance.

Do an investment mortgage or a second home mortgage and keep it in your personal name.

Now this was also post freeze, so shorter term housing was at a premium. 

Overall, there is probably enough housing in the US for everyone but no one wants to live in Northeast Iowa or Central Mississippi so there's a mismatch between available housing and where people want to live.

How far do traveling nurses prefer to be from the hospital, the houses I'm looking at range from 15 minutes away to 5 minutes away.