The model is here to stay, but regulations, margins and even platforms may change.

The county is going to be the one with the information, other lists may exist but the county is responsible for collecting the taxes so they should be the most accurate

If you can save up (and possibly borrow from/partner with friends or family) to buy a 2-4 unit property that's rentable in its existing condition, you can live in and fix up one unit while the others are rented out. 

I have also been trying to do my research on CT reality and seeing what upgrades can help improve my resale value (hoping to come close to breaking even after a new roof, and adding a countertop into an existing wall in the kitchen). 

We are in the New Jersey area.Our question is can anyone give us any ideas or ways so we can better use the equity we have on our existing home for it?

Although no statutory protections exist to help buyers who forfeit, the 2002 South Carolina case of Lewis v.

Existing mold that is isolated (that's the key word here) can easily be killed with chemicals (don't use bleach, get a specialized mold killer, sold everywhere) or ozone.

then how do you know they don't exist?

I currently live in a market where good deals are scarce to non-existent on the MLS.

The answers to your question will be state specific per your state landlord tenant regulations.