We know the following;Roof needs replaced  (gravel slant)Back wall needs restoration work and windows replacedSeveral Joists in basement need to be replaced (new concrete block posts were put in 5 years ago)Second floor corner flooring needs to be repairedThe electric has already been converted from knob and tube and plumbing is currently available on the 1st floorI have been researching the Ohio Brownfield Fund which provides a grant to cover the cost of a phase 1 assessment and have reached out to the state requesting information about other funding sources. 

Keeping in mind that you'd be moving unsecured debt (no collateral) to secured debt, I would recommend doing what you suggest if you confident in your employment situation during the time horizon that it would take you to pay down $27k, and if you are confident that you will not run up more credit card debt now that your balances are freed up.Beneath enjoying the entrepreneurship of it all and investing in something concrete, you fundamental goal is to do better than you are doing today.

My friend hired a neighbor to clean up an overgrown hedge that was covering up a concrete drainage culvert on the townhouse grounds.

I want to start building a relationship with a realtor, but with no concrete assurance that i'll be able to act on a deal, I'm hesitant to talk with one.

Previous owner literally did one building but no taping, fire caulk or inspections. 4 of the units require me to pull up flooring and pour on a concrete leveler to a certain thickness over the subfloor to get my rating between those units and the studios.

It's also a concrete block home.

Many areas have been predominately Polish or something else for generations. 

I recently saw someone buy a property at auction only to enter the property after purchase to find the house totally vandalized (broken windows, holes in walls, broken floors, concrete in plumbing).  

Moisture resistant drywall will be used in all wet locationsAll ceramic tile will be installed on 1/2" cement board or a concrete PaintNew Switches, Receptacles, GFCIs and cover plates to codeHardwired smoke detectorsCarbon Monoxide DetectorsBathroom: Install Ceramic tile on walls for tub and floorInstall new pre-hung 6 panel hollow core doorNew Toilet with ring and supplyNew Vanity with faucet, drain and supply linesInstall new light fixtureInstall bath exhaust fanNew medicine cabinetInstall New TubBathroom Accessories (Toilet paper holder, towel bars, etc.)Bedrooms / Living room:Install new pre-hung doorInstall all trim ( Door Casing, Base, Shoe)Install Flooring material (Carpet, Hardwood,Laminate )Install New Light fixtureInstall Closet door (Type to be decided)Kitchen:    Install Ceramic floorInstall New kitchen cabinetsInstall Counter top (Granite/Corian/Laminate)Install New Undermount sink and faucet Install Ceramic backsplash with accentInstall Light fixturesInstall garbage disposal (if applicable)Install Dishwasher (If applicable)Install all trimInstall pre-hung pantry door (If applicable)All material types will be selected by you and installed by us.

Happy to help with more concrete answers if you can share more concrete details, just let me know!