For a basic rental, I would just go with Home Depot off-the-shelf.

Someone will need to come out and do a basic inspection for safety, but it's not a big ordeal. 

I agree with you on the 4-unit, hence my recommendation for a basic SFR BRRRR once the liquidity is plussed up a little.

Can anyone give me an guesstimate on what it would cost to replace a load bearing beam in a basement that is 50 feet long.

They will have them finish a basement bathroom or upstairs bathroom and live in it, while the builder finishes the house.2. 

Thanks a lot @Rob Hakes for your detailed response. had a followup question (sorry its a basic one) but can you please elaborate more on "it is almost tax free because of depreciation"   How do they calculate depreciation percentage.

And, they may charge you a % based on the value of the asset. 

On stair runs to a basement we use vinyl and have had good luck with wear.

My wife and I are wanting to buy a 3+ bed 2 bath house with a basement that needs some "love" and fix it up over the next year.

Does anyone know how to evaluate pricing of properties, rent estimates as well as have any contractor recommendations (one of the places has a basement that needs to be underpinned)?