Our attorney advised us to check title early and often and we added language to the PSA that specifically protected us should the title be affected while we were still under contract.  

This was the same when we acquired current home, agent freaked when we added Hubbard contingency (subject to us selling current residence).I'd love to team up with an investor that has $500k ready to roll. 

You never know until you ask.2nd scenario - As of now, before the bank can do anything with you on this property, the bank must first of all foreclose on the property to take over ownership - it is only then that they can talk with you - when this is done, it will be a little more expensive because of the attorney fees which will be added.

Adding solar to your primary is typically a more attractive option than going solar with your rentals.

Should I be added to the deed, or would I still be subject to capital gains since I haven't owned it for 2 years?

I am adding walls and doors to make them 3-1's This will raise the rent some.

In Indianapolis and Kansas City where I'm active for instance, this would be a D class neighborhood.

What needs to be added or taken away? 

People go back up north when it gets so hot.One thing to explore and is an idea that is rocking right now in LA is the concept of an ADU [accessory dwelling unit] or guest units, people are adding guest units and doing ADu conversions - this allows you to take a SFR and add or convert it to a legal rental, as opposed to having to rent out an extra bedroom and deal with roommates, you can take that same bedroom and add a kitchen and bath and you have an ADU that can rent out for a premium.

I'd throw an ad up on Craigslist in Indy area and see if you get some bites.