Make sure the surface will stay clean and dry for the full curing time.  

And I'll definitely look into those books, I have about 10k and counting in the bank now to get started, I'm most interested in duplexes or "live n flip" houses I work in constitution so I'd be doing it on the side, and I have plenty of help from carpenters/painters/ electrical friends

If the title search came back clean then you knew at least there were no surprises from monies owed to others.

Then clean/renovate the property and list it for sale empty.If you try selling with this guy in, you'll take a serious hit on the sales price. it's better to pay an attorney, get it empty, and sell it for market price.

Personally, I pay for the best wifi, all the utilities and regular professional cleaning. 

Remodeled the basement unit and made new/clean looking.

US immigration ran a criminal background check on me when I came to the USA 35 years ago (it was clean!)

Learned how to schedule and manage subcontractors as i was doing about 75% of the work on this property myself and subbing out trades (plumbing, electric, drywall, HVAC).

We added value to this deal by doing some updates on the kitchen, electrical, and yard.

Less expense as well as you're not supplying consumables, paying cleaning, paying for broken furniture glasses, etc. - Rental policy is required.