I would suggest maybe interviewing another just to make sure they align with your goals and abilities.

Is the goal to payoff the mortgage faster or save on interest payments? 

There are a lot of areas to invest and it will really just depend on what your investment goals are or your buy box. 

If you ask the manager to justify a fee and he starts hemming and hawing, move on or require them to remove the fee.

If you are new to investing and need help to fet started maybe a good course will give you a push in the right direction, but i think in this case  maybe there are better cheaper ways to first understand what the opportunity really is and if it is right for you and your goals/available resources .

Have a goal.

What is your ultimate goal for this loan?

I was planning to renovate and update the property once he did decide to move out one day, so not renewing his lease would just be an opportunity to jump start that.Thanks for your comments!

My goal is to acquire more properties, but closer to easily manage it. 

You can make sure to get 10% off coupons from usps moving or buy gift cards at 90 cents on the dollar (I get them as credit card rewards) to stack up the best discounts.