It sounds to me that if you are not romantic about the maintenance, these are good to live in. I am coming from Houston where there is no preservation of the old, so it will be a treat to live in a house that has history granted the problems.
Sounds to me that I should check in with the neighbors on both sides of any
property being considered before jumping in to a 2-year contract. Perhaps even check if a short term lease is possible with a clause for extension without an increase in rent. I read through the forum posts where the rent increases are monumental upon contract renewal.
Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and your time. They have been most helpful.