I've been heavily focusing on my degree in Cybersecurity and will be finishing it this July (2017), but to my surprise I believe I have found my calling and it is NOT Cybersecurity. 

That being said, most guys don't really like being outside in 5 degree weather so if you have some interior work to be done, you might be able to get a bit of a deal (maybe 2-5% discount)- doesn't hurt to ask, just be aware you might scare off good contractors if they feel like you are being stingy.

I'm unsure of the long term costs and I would love for someone to commit to buy it in 1-3 years down the road.The podcast also mentioned that with Rent to own options, the landlord is liable (to some degree) for making sure the buyer is in a position to meet the demands of the contract term.  

Appreciation is local market specific and everyone would like to be able to predict that with a degree of accuracy.  

My heart definitely goes out to them for being in 80 degree house, but there is limited amount of things that I can do over the weekend. 

the bulk of my experience is in the construction business with a little in real estate and that is what my college degree in business emphasized.  

I'm a 40-ish guy with a business and electronic engineering degree.

As far as the HML, yes I anticipate it will be expensive so I am not trying to sugar coat it and have unrealistic expectations but because I may have a fairly good amount of cash ready for a down payment that's why I see that as an option as well.

Since I have an accounting degree (not a CPA), he expects me to be able to learn all there is to know in a few hours.

I wouldn't change your degree.