You don't get a piece of the puzzle and then have to go and attend a seminar at 10-times the cost of the course.

I haven't seen one hard and fast rule for Countrywide as an organization.I realize that's a lot of variables, but it comes down to what has been said above - make an offer that works for you on the specific piece of property and see what happens.

Keep in mind that successful investors in your area are not going to divulge certain aspects of the business to protect themselves, and those aspects may be the missing piece of the puzzle you are looking for.

I also agree with @Brian Pulaski about the accent pieces.

Please PM me as BP does not allow promotion of vendors in the forums.1. 

I just finished BP podcast ep. 48 and the guest gave a lot of good advice, but one piece he gave that stuck out is that he buys durable materials that aren't just "trendy".

Get something more visually stimulating, like a one-piece with a double flush European button on top or a sleek Japanese design like a Toto Aquia.3.

. :)That said - one important piece of advice.

Do not compound your problems here by "hoping for the best" and getting a piece of paper from her this weekend and assuming all is well.  

Put the pieces together here for us because from what you wrote, you should not be owning or renting out houses right now until you get a better grasp on what you need to do financially and to keep up a home.