Or would it be better to just apply for mortgages as individuals?

Apply and then follow up once with your finger or wet rag. 

I have studied investing (primarily stock market) for much of my life but have in the past not done a good job getting a base below me so I can really apply that knowledge in earnest. 5 years ago just after remodeling a home with stone walls built in 1900 with a naive understanding of what the costs and time inputs would be, the housing crash happening right in the middle of this, persevering and turning it into a beautiful home.....Then I was laid off.

Maybe we will meet at a future BP meet up event.Agree with what others are saying about the 2% rule not applying on the west coast.  

Can this be applied over old, tile, kitchen countertops? 

The proposed tax rates for buildings sold within five years of being purchased: Sale within one year: 24 percentTwo years: 22 percentThree years: 20 percentFour years: 18 percentFive years: 14 percentThe tax would not apply to “single-family homes, condos, owner-occupied tenancies in common, properties not being sold at a profit, new construction, properties being turned into affordable housing, and buildings with more than 30 units.”

Applying my strengths and respecting my weaknesses, I feel is half the battle.

Many people are not motivated to apply to a million places or submit their resume to the right headhunters. 

So to show your tenants that you are applying rules equally without bias (and taking action), you could have all tenants sign an addendum to their existing leases.  

The rest of it may not apply to you now.