Document trying to work with them, and all conversation oral and written. 

In theory, we could have one or all of these properties pay for themselves and other investments if we continue using refis but this takes a long time.

Taking them to a nice dinner or lunch or maybe partnering on a deal might have been a better use of some or all of that 4,000.

Buy a Tacoma single family that has ADU potential, get the ADU, and rent either part or all the house.

Your time here will be well spent.Since you didn't mention a specific REI area of interest, I added the below links from the three most popular niches for your review and selection of one or all while waiting for local Albany, GA networking connections.http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/02/22/buying-rental-property/ (how to buy a rental property) http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/01/07/flipping-houses/ (step by step guide to flips)https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/01/31/ultimate-beginners-guide-real-estate-wholesaling-2/ (Ultimate beginners guide to wholesaling)Now that you have made the move, below are some links that will help with the navigation of the site. http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meethttps://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/termshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/perkshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/categorieshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/courses/a-beginners-introduction-to-real-estate-investing (video courses)https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI)Before your 1st purchase, please ensure you visit the below link for some tips.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/12/19/real-estate-investing-success-smart-tips/REI books suggested by BPershttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/ (7 absolute must read books for beginner REIs)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

Maybe a pipe is leaking and filling an inside wall cavity with water?

They got the oral argument in on 3/3/20, thank goodness.

You also have to finance only once, with a BRRRR you typically finance twice (or all cash up front).Finally Rent. 

The stairs in this house have some or all of these concerns."

.- on a fixed /closed end loan you cannot reaccess your funds so if you plug in all of your available excess funds as "extra," principal you could have an emergency where you need to access your funds again and you'll be stuck- on HELOC's and 1st position liens the interest is calculated daily and with regards to products like AIO or all in one mortgage from CMG financial the interest is calculated daily and settled/swept at 12AM each day allowing every outstanding dollar you park into your line to work for you within your line of credit.