I have heard of people removing kitchens and bathrooms from one unit (making it into a "storage room") to remove one unit from the count.

I do not know how your judgment reads but it sounds like they are counting on the ignorance of the former tenant to pay the whole amount; judgment and costs (including  the repairs).It sounds like they have determined that the judgment is collectible - good for you!

The ACS covers all the big census topics: population, income, unit count, vacancy, industry diversity, educational attainment, rents, home prices, etc.

In order to do a BRRR, you should aim to be at around 70% all-in, which counts purchase price, rehab, points/fees, and holding costs. 

Can you count on your relatives to bankroll everything until you get on your feet.

I have 14 entities in which I am the owner of them all. and I had my personal developers license but that no count.. 

Rental income for new purchases and properties that are not reflected yet on your tax returns will count at 75% for rental income.

I like your thinking. 19 and counting.

I wouldn't dive too deep into the macro data.

Fannie Mae allows investors to count rental income, even without experience, but many lenders do have overlays.