The floor joist under that section was completely rotten away, as in not even there, just two ends nothing in the middle. 

One block from the city park, close to middle and high schools and two elementary schools. 

It's very difficult to give a meaningful answer with such a general question and especially without any background information.I checked the map and it looks like it's in the middle of nowhere.

Why would a buyer pay a middle man more money when they could get it off mls themselves.

The you-tube channel is "Homerenovision DIY" https://www.youtube.com/channe...The person in the videos is a middle aged Canadian guy.

In determining rents, I would look at comparable properties that accept pets, log a number of their deposit & rent rates, then set yours somewhere in the middle.

For the difference in rent (and guessing a large difference in cost), I'd go the quicker route and save for the major reno when you aren't in the middle of covid and you have better access to materials and trades people.

I found a great partner to refinance in the middle of the hold when rates decreased and I pulled some cash out.

Maybe I'm misunderstanding the situation as you've stated it, but if you own a lot and the person who owns the adjoining lot wants to sell (a lot that you want / need), and you're already in-touch directly with that person - WHY involve an agent (middle-man)?

I am in the Middle TN area if you ever need a contact in the Greater Nashville area.