diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/addressindex.py b/qa/rpc-tests/addressindex.py
index 0ed542923..e655f9bc6 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/addressindex.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/addressindex.py
@@ -18,7 +18,6 @@ from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
 
 from test_framework.util import (
     assert_equal,
-    initialize_chain_clean,
     start_nodes,
     stop_nodes,
     connect_nodes,
@@ -44,16 +43,17 @@ from binascii import hexlify, unhexlify
 
 class AddressIndexTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
-    def setup_chain(self):
-        print("Initializing test directory "+self.options.tmpdir)
-        initialize_chain_clean(self.options.tmpdir, 4)
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.num_nodes = 4
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
 
     def setup_network(self):
         # -insightexplorer causes addressindex to be enabled (fAddressIndex = true)
         args_insight = ('-debug', '-txindex', '-experimentalfeatures', '-insightexplorer')
         # -lightwallet also causes addressindex to be enabled
         args_lightwallet = ('-debug', '-txindex', '-experimentalfeatures', '-lightwalletd')
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(4, self.options.tmpdir, [args_insight] * 3 + [args_lightwallet])
+        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir, [args_insight] * 3 + [args_lightwallet])
 
         connect_nodes(self.nodes[0], 1)
         connect_nodes(self.nodes[0], 2)
@@ -237,7 +237,7 @@ class AddressIndexTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
         # Test DisconnectBlock() by invalidating the most recent mined block
         tip = self.nodes[1].getchaintips()[0]
-        for i in range(3):
+        for i in range(self.num_nodes):
             node = self.nodes[i]
             # the value 4 UTXO is no longer in our balance
             check_balance(i, addr1, (expected - 4) * COIN, expected * COIN)
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/bip65-cltv-p2p.py b/qa/rpc-tests/bip65-cltv-p2p.py
index 87796d5e1..61ee6ed95 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/bip65-cltv-p2p.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/bip65-cltv-p2p.py
@@ -25,10 +25,11 @@ TODO: factor out common code from {bipdersig-p2p,bip65-cltv-p2p}.py.
 class BIP65Test(ComparisonTestFramework):
 
     def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
         self.num_nodes = 1
 
     def setup_network(self):
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(1, self.options.tmpdir,
+        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir,
                                  extra_args=[['-debug', '-whitelist=127.0.0.1']],
                                  binary=[self.options.testbinary])
         self.is_network_split = False
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/bipdersig-p2p.py b/qa/rpc-tests/bipdersig-p2p.py
index ec585f6e9..7d5f24985 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/bipdersig-p2p.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/bipdersig-p2p.py
@@ -25,10 +25,11 @@ TODO: factor out common code from {bipdersig-p2p,bip65-cltv-p2p}.py.
 class BIP66Test(ComparisonTestFramework):
 
     def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
         self.num_nodes = 1
 
     def setup_network(self):
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(1, self.options.tmpdir,
+        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir,
                                  extra_args=[['-debug', '-whitelist=127.0.0.1']],
                                  binary=[self.options.testbinary])
         self.is_network_split = False
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/blockchain.py b/qa/rpc-tests/blockchain.py
index 7c1bac285..7f65063a1 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/blockchain.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/blockchain.py
@@ -12,7 +12,6 @@ import decimal
 
 from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
 from test_framework.util import (
-    initialize_chain,
     assert_equal,
     start_nodes,
     connect_nodes_bi,
@@ -26,12 +25,13 @@ class BlockchainTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
     """
 
-    def setup_chain(self):
-        print("Initializing test directory " + self.options.tmpdir)
-        initialize_chain(self.options.tmpdir)
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.setup_clean_chain = False
+        self.num_nodes = 2
 
     def setup_network(self, split=False):
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(2, self.options.tmpdir)
+        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir)
         connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes, 0, 1)
         self.is_network_split = False
         self.sync_all()
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/coinbase_funding_streams.py b/qa/rpc-tests/coinbase_funding_streams.py
index 31c081e90..0fd6e84c8 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/coinbase_funding_streams.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/coinbase_funding_streams.py
@@ -12,7 +12,6 @@ from test_framework.util import (
     assert_equal,
     bitcoind_processes,
     connect_nodes,
-    initialize_chain_clean,
     start_node,
     BLOSSOM_BRANCH_ID,
     HEARTWOOD_BRANCH_ID,
@@ -20,9 +19,10 @@ from test_framework.util import (
 )
 
 class CoinbaseFundingStreamsTest (BitcoinTestFramework):
-    def setup_chain(self):
-        print("Initializing test directory "+self.options.tmpdir)
-        initialize_chain_clean(self.options.tmpdir, 4)
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.num_nodes = 2
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
 
     def start_node_with(self, index, extra_args=[]):
         args = [
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/decodescript.py b/qa/rpc-tests/decodescript.py
index 60cdaa988..9523c96aa 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/decodescript.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/decodescript.py
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
 # file COPYING or https://www.opensource.org/licenses/mit-license.php .
 
 from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
-from test_framework.util import assert_equal, initialize_chain_clean, \
+from test_framework.util import assert_equal, \
     start_nodes, hex_str_to_bytes, bytes_to_hex_str
 from test_framework.mininode import CTransaction
 from io import BytesIO
@@ -13,12 +13,13 @@ from io import BytesIO
 class DecodeScriptTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
     """Tests decoding scripts via RPC command "decodescript"."""
 
-    def setup_chain(self):
-        print('Initializing test directory ' + self.options.tmpdir)
-        initialize_chain_clean(self.options.tmpdir, 1)
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
+        self.num_nodes = 1
 
     def setup_network(self, split=False):
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(1, self.options.tmpdir)
+        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir)
         self.is_network_split = False
 
     def decodescript_script_sig(self):
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/disablewallet.py b/qa/rpc-tests/disablewallet.py
index 3b32b26ae..f29820414 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/disablewallet.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/disablewallet.py
@@ -8,17 +8,18 @@
 #
 
 from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
-from test_framework.util import initialize_chain_clean, start_nodes
+from test_framework.util import start_nodes
 
 
 class DisableWalletTest (BitcoinTestFramework):
 
-    def setup_chain(self):
-        print("Initializing test directory "+self.options.tmpdir)
-        initialize_chain_clean(self.options.tmpdir, 1)
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
+        self.num_nodes = 1
 
     def setup_network(self, split=False):
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(1, self.options.tmpdir, [['-disablewallet']])
+        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir, [['-disablewallet']])
         self.is_network_split = False
         self.sync_all()
 
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/feature_zip221.py b/qa/rpc-tests/feature_zip221.py
index bfe0f656b..0539343f5 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/feature_zip221.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/feature_zip221.py
@@ -12,7 +12,6 @@ from test_framework.util import (
     assert_equal,
     bytes_to_hex_str,
     hex_str_to_bytes,
-    initialize_chain_clean,
     start_nodes,
 )
 
@@ -24,16 +23,17 @@ CHAIN_HISTORY_ROOT_VERSION = 2010200
 # Verify block header field 'hashLightClientRoot' is set correctly for Heartwood blocks.
 class Zip221Test(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
-    def setup_chain(self):
-        print("Initializing test directory "+self.options.tmpdir)
-        initialize_chain_clean(self.options.tmpdir, 4)
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.num_nodes = 4
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
 
     def setup_nodes(self):
-        return start_nodes(4, self.options.tmpdir, extra_args=[[
+        return start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir, extra_args=[[
             '-nuparams=2bb40e60:1', # Blossom
             '-nuparams=f5b9230b:10', # Heartwood
             '-nurejectoldversions=false',
-        ]] * 4)
+        ]] * self.num_nodes)
 
     def node_for_block(self, height):
         block_header = CBlockHeader()
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/finalsaplingroot.py b/qa/rpc-tests/finalsaplingroot.py
index 25332f141..257d9893d 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/finalsaplingroot.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/finalsaplingroot.py
@@ -9,7 +9,6 @@ from test_framework.util import (
     assert_equal,
     connect_nodes_bi,
     get_coinbase_address,
-    initialize_chain_clean,
     start_nodes,
     wait_and_assert_operationid_status,
 )
@@ -24,14 +23,15 @@ NULL_FIELD = "0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000"
 # is updated when Sapling transactions with outputs (commitments) are mined into a block.
 class FinalSaplingRootTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
-    def setup_chain(self):
-        print("Initializing test directory "+self.options.tmpdir)
-        initialize_chain_clean(self.options.tmpdir, 4)
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.num_nodes = 4
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
 
     def setup_network(self, split=False):
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(4, self.options.tmpdir, extra_args=[[
+        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir, extra_args=[[
             '-txindex'                # Avoid JSONRPC error: No information available about transaction
-            ]] * 4 )
+            ]] * self.num_nodes)
         connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,0,1)
         connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,1,2)
         connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,0,2)
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/forknotify.py b/qa/rpc-tests/forknotify.py
index 2374c9dea..b97d1fb77 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/forknotify.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/forknotify.py
@@ -14,6 +14,11 @@ import os
 
 class ForkNotifyTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.num_nodes = 2
+        self.setup_clean_chain = False
+
     alert_filename = None  # Set by setup_network
 
     def setup_network(self):
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/framework.py b/qa/rpc-tests/framework.py
index ec676eeb2..7a6765160 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/framework.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/framework.py
@@ -7,16 +7,16 @@ from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
 from test_framework.util import (
     assert_raises,
     connect_nodes,
-    initialize_chain_clean,
     start_node,
     check_node_log,
 )
 
 class FrameworkTest (BitcoinTestFramework):
 
-    def setup_chain(self):
-        print("Initializing test directory "+self.options.tmpdir)
-        initialize_chain_clean(self.options.tmpdir, 4)
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.num_nodes = 2
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
 
     def start_node_with(self, index, extra_args=[]):
         args = []
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/fundrawtransaction.py b/qa/rpc-tests/fundrawtransaction.py
index 708c69b27..14e48d0ad 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/fundrawtransaction.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/fundrawtransaction.py
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
 from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
 from test_framework.authproxy import JSONRPCException
 from test_framework.util import assert_equal, assert_greater_than, \
-    initialize_chain_clean, start_nodes, connect_nodes_bi, stop_nodes, \
+    start_nodes, connect_nodes_bi, stop_nodes, \
     wait_bitcoinds
 
 from decimal import Decimal
@@ -14,12 +14,13 @@ from decimal import Decimal
 # Create one-input, one-output, no-fee transaction:
 class RawTransactionsTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
-    def setup_chain(self):
-        print(("Initializing test directory "+self.options.tmpdir))
-        initialize_chain_clean(self.options.tmpdir, 4)
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
+        self.num_nodes = 4
 
     def setup_network(self, split=False):
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(4, self.options.tmpdir,
+        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir,
                            extra_args=[['-experimentalfeatures', '-developerencryptwallet']] * 4)
 
         connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,0,1)
@@ -450,7 +451,7 @@ class RawTransactionsTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         stop_nodes(self.nodes)
         wait_bitcoinds()
 
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(4, self.options.tmpdir)
+        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir)
 
         connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,0,1)
         connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,1,2)
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/getblocktemplate.py b/qa/rpc-tests/getblocktemplate.py
index e55e1e9fd..223132da4 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/getblocktemplate.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/getblocktemplate.py
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@
 
 from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
 from test_framework.util import assert_equal, connect_nodes_bi, \
-    initialize_chain_clean, start_nodes
+    start_nodes
 
 
 class GetBlockTemplateTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
@@ -13,12 +13,13 @@ class GetBlockTemplateTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
     Test getblocktemplate.
     '''
 
-    def setup_chain(self):
-        print("Initializing test directory "+self.options.tmpdir)
-        initialize_chain_clean(self.options.tmpdir, 4)
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.num_nodes = 2
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
 
     def setup_network(self, split=False):
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(2, self.options.tmpdir)
+        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir)
         connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,0,1)
         self.is_network_split=False
         self.sync_all()
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/getblocktemplate_longpoll.py b/qa/rpc-tests/getblocktemplate_longpoll.py
index c2e32b4db..89f5394f2 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/getblocktemplate_longpoll.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/getblocktemplate_longpoll.py
@@ -49,6 +49,11 @@ class GetBlockTemplateLPTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
     Test longpolling with getblocktemplate.
     '''
 
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.num_nodes = 4
+        self.setup_clean_chain = False
+
     def run_test(self):
         print("Warning: this test will take about 70 seconds in the best case. Be patient.")
         self.nodes[0].generate(10)
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/getblocktemplate_proposals.py b/qa/rpc-tests/getblocktemplate_proposals.py
index bce1b1784..94b1616e2 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/getblocktemplate_proposals.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/getblocktemplate_proposals.py
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@
 
 from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
 from test_framework.authproxy import JSONRPCException
+from test_framework.util import connect_nodes_bi
 
 from binascii import a2b_hex, b2a_hex
 from hashlib import sha256
@@ -94,6 +95,15 @@ class GetBlockTemplateProposalTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
     Test block proposals with getblocktemplate.
     '''
 
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.num_nodes = 2
+        self.setup_clean_chain = False
+
+    def setup_network(self):
+        self.nodes = self.setup_nodes()
+        connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes, 0, 1)
+
     def run_test(self):
         node = self.nodes[0]
         node.generate(1) # Mine a block to leave initial block download
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/getchaintips.py b/qa/rpc-tests/getchaintips.py
index c75a89f46..63543f48c 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/getchaintips.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/getchaintips.py
@@ -12,9 +12,12 @@ from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
 from test_framework.util import assert_equal
 
 class GetChainTipsTest (BitcoinTestFramework):
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.num_nodes = 4
+        self.setup_clean_chain = False
 
     def run_test (self):
-        BitcoinTestFramework.run_test (self)
 
         tips = self.nodes[0].getchaintips ()
         assert_equal (len (tips), 1)
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/getrawtransaction_insight.py b/qa/rpc-tests/getrawtransaction_insight.py
index f32995d68..f54bf85ee 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/getrawtransaction_insight.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/getrawtransaction_insight.py
@@ -11,7 +11,6 @@
 from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
 
 from test_framework.util import assert_equal
-from test_framework.util import initialize_chain_clean
 from test_framework.util import start_nodes, stop_nodes, connect_nodes
 from test_framework.util import wait_bitcoinds
 
@@ -20,15 +19,16 @@ from test_framework.mininode import COIN
 
 class GetrawtransactionTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
-    def setup_chain(self):
-        print("Initializing test directory "+self.options.tmpdir)
-        initialize_chain_clean(self.options.tmpdir, 4)
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.num_nodes = 3
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
 
     def setup_network(self):
         # -insightexplorer causes spentindex to be enabled (fSpentIndex = true)
 
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(3, self.options.tmpdir,
-            [['-debug', '-txindex', '-experimentalfeatures', '-insightexplorer']]*3)
+        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir,
+            [['-debug', '-txindex', '-experimentalfeatures', '-insightexplorer']] * self.num_nodes)
         connect_nodes(self.nodes[0], 1)
         connect_nodes(self.nodes[0], 2)
 
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/httpbasics.py b/qa/rpc-tests/httpbasics.py
index a98fb0098..ba01583dd 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/httpbasics.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/httpbasics.py
@@ -8,14 +8,19 @@
 #
 
 from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
-from test_framework.util import assert_equal, start_nodes, str_to_b64str
+from test_framework.util import assert_equal, str_to_b64str
 
 import http.client
 import urllib.parse
 
 class HTTPBasicsTest (BitcoinTestFramework):
-    def setup_nodes(self):
-        return start_nodes(4, self.options.tmpdir)
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.num_nodes = 3
+        self.setup_clean_chain = False
+
+    def setup_network(self):
+        self.nodes = self.setup_nodes()
 
     def run_test(self):
 
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/invalidateblock.py b/qa/rpc-tests/invalidateblock.py
index c6b3c5822..6907dc21d 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/invalidateblock.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/invalidateblock.py
@@ -8,15 +8,16 @@
 #
 
 from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
-from test_framework.util import initialize_chain_clean, start_node, \
+from test_framework.util import start_node, \
     connect_nodes_bi, sync_blocks
 
 import time
 
 class InvalidateTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-    def setup_chain(self):
-        print("Initializing test directory "+self.options.tmpdir)
-        initialize_chain_clean(self.options.tmpdir, 3)
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
+        self.num_nodes = 3
 
     def setup_network(self):
         self.nodes = []
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/invalidblockrequest.py b/qa/rpc-tests/invalidblockrequest.py
index b77b2f2ad..958938540 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/invalidblockrequest.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/invalidblockrequest.py
@@ -27,6 +27,7 @@ class InvalidBlockRequestTest(ComparisonTestFramework):
     ''' Can either run this test as 1 node with expected answers, or two and compare them.
         Change the "outcome" variable from each TestInstance object to only do the comparison. '''
     def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
         self.num_nodes = 1
 
     def run_test(self):
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/key_import_export.py b/qa/rpc-tests/key_import_export.py
index d841851a0..43f4c85de 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/key_import_export.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/key_import_export.py
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
 from decimal import Decimal
 from functools import reduce
 from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
-from test_framework.util import assert_equal, assert_greater_than, start_nodes, initialize_chain_clean, connect_nodes_bi
+from test_framework.util import assert_equal, assert_greater_than, start_nodes, connect_nodes_bi
 
 import logging
 
@@ -15,12 +15,13 @@ logging.basicConfig(format='%(levelname)s:%(message)s', level=logging.INFO)
 
 class KeyImportExportTest (BitcoinTestFramework):
 
-    def setup_chain(self):
-        print("Initializing test directory "+self.options.tmpdir)
-        initialize_chain_clean(self.options.tmpdir, 4)
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.num_nodes = 4
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
 
     def setup_network(self, split=False):
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(4, self.options.tmpdir )
+        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir )
         connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,0,1)
         connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,1,2)
         connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,0,2)
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/keypool.py b/qa/rpc-tests/keypool.py
index 5a8260743..ccba07ea9 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/keypool.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/keypool.py
@@ -5,11 +5,9 @@
 
 # Exercise the wallet keypool, and interaction with wallet encryption/locking
 
-# Add python-bitcoinrpc to module search path:
-
 from test_framework.authproxy import JSONRPCException
 from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
-from test_framework.util import assert_equal, initialize_chain, \
+from test_framework.util import assert_equal, \
     start_nodes, start_node, bitcoind_processes
 
 def check_array_result(object_array, to_match, expected):
@@ -86,12 +84,13 @@ class KeyPoolTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         except JSONRPCException as e:
             assert_equal(e.error['code'], -12)
 
-    def setup_chain(self):
-        print("Initializing test directory "+self.options.tmpdir)
-        initialize_chain(self.options.tmpdir)
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.setup_clean_chain = False
+        self.num_nodes = 1
 
     def setup_network(self):
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(1, self.options.tmpdir, extra_args=[['-experimentalfeatures', '-developerencryptwallet']])
+        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir, extra_args=[['-experimentalfeatures', '-developerencryptwallet']])
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
     KeyPoolTest().main()
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/listtransactions.py b/qa/rpc-tests/listtransactions.py
index 35d00a6f1..53871ea59 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/listtransactions.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/listtransactions.py
@@ -31,6 +31,10 @@ def check_array_result(object_array, to_match, expected):
         raise AssertionError("No objects matched %s"%(str(to_match)))
 
 class ListTransactionsTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.num_nodes = 4
+        self.setup_clean_chain = False
 
     def run_test(self):
         # Simple send, 0 to 1:
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/maxblocksinflight.py b/qa/rpc-tests/maxblocksinflight.py
index f8a67e26e..9211f3ae0 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/maxblocksinflight.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/maxblocksinflight.py
@@ -6,8 +6,7 @@
 from test_framework.mininode import NodeConn, NodeConnCB, NetworkThread, \
     EarlyDisconnectError, CInv, msg_inv, mininode_lock
 from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
-from test_framework.util import initialize_chain_clean, start_nodes, \
-    p2p_port
+from test_framework.util import start_nodes, p2p_port
 
 import os
 import time
@@ -86,12 +85,13 @@ class MaxBlocksInFlightTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
                           default=os.getenv("BITCOIND", "bitcoind"),
                           help="Binary to test max block requests behavior")
 
-    def setup_chain(self):
-        print("Initializing test directory "+self.options.tmpdir)
-        initialize_chain_clean(self.options.tmpdir, 1)
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
+        self.num_nodes = 1
 
     def setup_network(self):
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(1, self.options.tmpdir, 
+        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir,
                                  extra_args=[['-debug', '-whitelist=127.0.0.1']],
                                  binary=[self.options.testbinary])
 
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/mempool_limit.py b/qa/rpc-tests/mempool_limit.py
index a942b652b..6600376ae 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/mempool_limit.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/mempool_limit.py
@@ -8,7 +8,6 @@ from test_framework.util import (
     assert_equal,
     get_coinbase_address,
     fail,
-    initialize_chain_clean,
     start_nodes,
     wait_and_assert_operationid_status,
 )
@@ -18,10 +17,6 @@ from time import sleep
 
 # Test wallet behaviour with Sapling addresses
 class MempoolLimit(BitcoinTestFramework):
-    def setup_chain(self):
-        print("Initializing test directory " + self.options.tmpdir)
-        initialize_chain_clean(self.options.tmpdir, 4)
-
     def setup_nodes(self):
         extra_args = [
             ["-debug=mempool", '-mempooltxcostlimit=8000'], # 2 transactions at min cost
@@ -30,17 +25,22 @@ class MempoolLimit(BitcoinTestFramework):
             # Let node 3 hold one more transaction
             ["-debug=mempool", '-mempooltxcostlimit=12000'], # 3 transactions at min cost
         ]
-        return start_nodes(4, self.options.tmpdir, extra_args)
+        return start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir, extra_args)
 
     def check_mempool_sizes(self, expected_size, check_node3=True):
-        for i in range(4 if check_node3 else 3):
+        for i in range(self.num_nodes if check_node3 else self.num_nodes - 1):
             mempool = self.nodes[i].getrawmempool()
             if len(mempool) != expected_size:
                 # print all nodes' mempools before failing
-                for i in range(4):
+                for i in range(self.num_nodes):
                     print("Mempool for node {}: {}".format(i, mempool))
                 fail("Fail: Mempool for node {}: size={}, expected={}".format(i, len(mempool), expected_size))
 
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
+        self.num_nodes = 4
+
     def run_test(self):
         print("Mining blocks...")
         self.sync_all()
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/mempool_nu_activation.py b/qa/rpc-tests/mempool_nu_activation.py
index aa402a70a..d7c0bdac6 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/mempool_nu_activation.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/mempool_nu_activation.py
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@
 
 from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
 from test_framework.util import (
-    assert_equal, assert_true, initialize_chain_clean,
+    assert_equal, assert_true,
     start_node, connect_nodes, wait_and_assert_operationid_status,
     get_coinbase_address
 )
@@ -17,6 +17,11 @@ class MempoolUpgradeActivationTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
     alert_filename = None  # Set by setup_network
 
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.num_nodes = 2
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
+
     def setup_network(self):
         args = ["-checkmempool", "-debug=mempool", "-blockmaxsize=4000",
             "-nuparams=2bb40e60:200", # Blossom
@@ -28,10 +33,6 @@ class MempoolUpgradeActivationTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         self.is_network_split = False
         self.sync_all
 
-    def setup_chain(self):
-        print("Initializing test directory "+self.options.tmpdir)
-        initialize_chain_clean(self.options.tmpdir, 2)
-
     def run_test(self):
         self.nodes[1].generate(100)
         self.sync_all()
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/mempool_reorg.py b/qa/rpc-tests/mempool_reorg.py
index 1dce011bf..e809195dc 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/mempool_reorg.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/mempool_reorg.py
@@ -15,6 +15,10 @@ from test_framework.util import assert_equal, assert_raises, start_node, connect
 
 # Create one-input, one-output, no-fee transaction:
 class MempoolCoinbaseTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.num_nodes = 2
+        self.setup_clean_chain = False
 
     alert_filename = None  # Set by setup_network
 
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/mempool_resurrect_test.py b/qa/rpc-tests/mempool_resurrect_test.py
index 0cb207133..ef11b29da 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/mempool_resurrect_test.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/mempool_resurrect_test.py
@@ -15,6 +15,11 @@ from test_framework.util import assert_equal, start_node
 # Create one-input, one-output, no-fee transaction:
 class MempoolCoinbaseTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.num_nodes = 1
+        self.setup_clean_chain = False
+
     def setup_network(self):
         # Just need one node for this test
         args = ["-checkmempool", "-debug=mempool"]
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/mempool_spendcoinbase.py b/qa/rpc-tests/mempool_spendcoinbase.py
index 208399332..b692cd513 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/mempool_spendcoinbase.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/mempool_spendcoinbase.py
@@ -22,6 +22,11 @@ from test_framework.util import assert_equal, assert_greater_than, assert_raises
 # Create one-input, one-output, no-fee transaction:
 class MempoolSpendCoinbaseTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.num_nodes = 1
+        self.setup_clean_chain = False
+
     def setup_network(self):
         # Just need one node for this test
         args = ["-checkmempool", "-debug=mempool"]
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/mempool_tx_expiry.py b/qa/rpc-tests/mempool_tx_expiry.py
index 6d3f28602..f3cff7ba3 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/mempool_tx_expiry.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/mempool_tx_expiry.py
@@ -21,11 +21,11 @@ TX_EXPIRY_DELTA = 10
 class MempoolTxExpiryTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
     def setup_nodes(self):
-        return start_nodes(4, self.options.tmpdir,
+        return start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir,
             [[
                 "-txexpirydelta=%d" % TX_EXPIRY_DELTA,
                 "-debug=mempool"
-            ]] * 4)
+            ]] * self.num_nodes)
 
     # Test before, at, and after expiry block
     # chain is at block height 199 when run_test executes
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/merkle_blocks.py b/qa/rpc-tests/merkle_blocks.py
index 85ff0924e..4b7f14680 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/merkle_blocks.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/merkle_blocks.py
@@ -11,14 +11,15 @@ import string
 from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
 from test_framework.authproxy import JSONRPCException
 from test_framework.util import assert_equal, assert_raises, \
-    initialize_chain_clean, start_node, connect_nodes
+    start_node, connect_nodes
 
 
 class MerkleBlockTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
-    def setup_chain(self):
-        print("Initializing test directory "+self.options.tmpdir)
-        initialize_chain_clean(self.options.tmpdir, 4)
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
+        self.num_nodes = 4
 
     def setup_network(self):
         self.nodes = []
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/mining_shielded_coinbase.py b/qa/rpc-tests/mining_shielded_coinbase.py
index bef3493be..83c344011 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/mining_shielded_coinbase.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/mining_shielded_coinbase.py
@@ -14,7 +14,6 @@ from test_framework.util import (
     assert_raises,
     bitcoind_processes,
     connect_nodes,
-    initialize_chain_clean,
     start_node,
     wait_and_assert_operationid_status,
     check_node_log,
@@ -22,9 +21,10 @@ from test_framework.util import (
 
 class ShieldCoinbaseTest (BitcoinTestFramework):
 
-    def setup_chain(self):
-        print("Initializing test directory "+self.options.tmpdir)
-        initialize_chain_clean(self.options.tmpdir, 4)
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.num_nodes = 4
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
 
     def start_node_with(self, index, extra_args=[]):
         args = [
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/multi_rpc.py b/qa/rpc-tests/multi_rpc.py
index bd1b79fd2..74359f553 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/multi_rpc.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/multi_rpc.py
@@ -8,24 +8,21 @@
 #
 
 from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
-from test_framework.util import (
-    assert_equal,
-    initialize_chain,
-    start_nodes,
-    str_to_b64str,
-)
-import os
+from test_framework.util import str_to_b64str, assert_equal
 
+import os
 import http.client
 import urllib.parse
 
 class HTTPBasicsTest (BitcoinTestFramework):
-    def setup_nodes(self):
-        return start_nodes(4, self.options.tmpdir)
+
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.setup_clean_chain = False
+        self.num_nodes = 1
 
     def setup_chain(self):
-        print("Initializing test directory "+self.options.tmpdir)
-        initialize_chain(self.options.tmpdir)
+        super().setup_chain()
         #Append rpcauth to zcash.conf before initialization
         rpcauth = "rpcauth=rt:93648e835a54c573682c2eb19f882535$7681e9c5b74bdd85e78166031d2058e1069b3ed7ed967c93fc63abba06f31144"
         rpcauth2 = "rpcauth=rt2:f8607b1a88861fac29dfccf9b52ff9f$ff36a0c23c8c62b4846112e50fa888416e94c17bfd4c42f88fd8f55ec6a3137e"
@@ -33,6 +30,9 @@ class HTTPBasicsTest (BitcoinTestFramework):
             f.write(rpcauth+"\n")
             f.write(rpcauth2+"\n")
 
+    def setup_network(self):
+        self.nodes = self.setup_nodes()
+
     def run_test(self):
 
         ##################################################
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/nodehandling.py b/qa/rpc-tests/nodehandling.py
index fb32cd2cc..8b79c2f46 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/nodehandling.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/nodehandling.py
@@ -14,6 +14,12 @@ import time
 import urllib.parse
 
 class NodeHandlingTest (BitcoinTestFramework):
+
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.num_nodes = 4
+        self.setup_clean_chain = False
+
     def run_test(self):
         ###########################
         # setban/listbanned tests #
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/p2p-acceptblock.py b/qa/rpc-tests/p2p-acceptblock.py
index 741c3348e..98ce9ba3d 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/p2p-acceptblock.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/p2p-acceptblock.py
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ from test_framework.mininode import CBlockHeader, CInv, NodeConn, NodeConnCB, \
     NetworkThread, msg_block, msg_headers, msg_inv, msg_ping, msg_pong, \
     mininode_lock
 from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
-from test_framework.util import assert_equal, initialize_chain_clean, \
+from test_framework.util import assert_equal, \
     start_node, p2p_port
 from test_framework.blocktools import create_block, create_coinbase
 
@@ -117,8 +117,10 @@ class AcceptBlockTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
                           default=os.getenv("BITCOIND", "bitcoind"),
                           help="bitcoind binary to test")
 
-    def setup_chain(self):
-        initialize_chain_clean(self.options.tmpdir, 2)
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
+        self.num_nodes = 2
 
     def setup_network(self):
         # Node0 will be used to test behavior of processing unrequested blocks
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/p2p-fullblocktest.py b/qa/rpc-tests/p2p-fullblocktest.py
index 433374850..b8db50487 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/p2p-fullblocktest.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/p2p-fullblocktest.py
@@ -38,6 +38,7 @@ class FullBlockTest(ComparisonTestFramework):
     ''' Can either run this test as 1 node with expected answers, or two and compare them. 
         Change the "outcome" variable from each TestInstance object to only do the comparison. '''
     def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
         self.num_nodes = 1
         self.block_heights = {}
         self.coinbase_key = CECKey()
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/p2p_txexpiringsoon.py b/qa/rpc-tests/p2p_txexpiringsoon.py
index 3d5d10a78..6472b6fba 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/p2p_txexpiringsoon.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/p2p_txexpiringsoon.py
@@ -8,18 +8,19 @@ from test_framework.mininode import NodeConn, NetworkThread, CInv, \
     msg_mempool, msg_getdata, msg_tx, mininode_lock, SAPLING_PROTO_VERSION
 from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
 from test_framework.util import assert_equal, connect_nodes_bi, fail, \
-    initialize_chain_clean, p2p_port, start_nodes, sync_blocks, sync_mempools
+    p2p_port, start_nodes, sync_blocks, sync_mempools
 from tx_expiry_helper import TestNode, create_transaction
 
 
 class TxExpiringSoonTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
-    def setup_chain(self):
-        print("Initializing test directory " + self.options.tmpdir)
-        initialize_chain_clean(self.options.tmpdir, 3)
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.num_nodes = 3
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
 
     def setup_network(self):
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(3, self.options.tmpdir)
+        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir)
         connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes, 0, 1)
         # We don't connect node 2
 
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/p2p_txexpiry_dos.py b/qa/rpc-tests/p2p_txexpiry_dos.py
index 0fe5bf698..e1b7e9e1e 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/p2p_txexpiry_dos.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/p2p_txexpiry_dos.py
@@ -6,8 +6,7 @@
 from test_framework.mininode import NodeConn, NetworkThread, \
     msg_tx, SAPLING_PROTO_VERSION
 from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
-from test_framework.util import initialize_chain_clean, start_nodes, \
-    p2p_port, assert_equal
+from test_framework.util import start_nodes, p2p_port, assert_equal
 from tx_expiry_helper import TestNode, create_transaction
 
 import time
@@ -15,12 +14,13 @@ import time
 
 class TxExpiryDoSTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
-    def setup_chain(self):
-        print("Initializing test directory " + self.options.tmpdir)
-        initialize_chain_clean(self.options.tmpdir, 1)
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.num_nodes = 1
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
 
     def setup_network(self):
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(1, self.options.tmpdir)
+        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir)
 
     def run_test(self):
         test_node = TestNode()
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/paymentdisclosure.py b/qa/rpc-tests/paymentdisclosure.py
index 959de48cf..9330f6797 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/paymentdisclosure.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/paymentdisclosure.py
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@
 
 from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
 from test_framework.authproxy import JSONRPCException
-from test_framework.util import assert_equal, initialize_chain_clean, \
+from test_framework.util import assert_equal, \
     start_node, connect_nodes_bi, wait_and_assert_operationid_status, \
     get_coinbase_address
 
@@ -13,9 +13,10 @@ from decimal import Decimal
 
 class PaymentDisclosureTest (BitcoinTestFramework):
 
-    def setup_chain(self):
-        print("Initializing test directory "+self.options.tmpdir)
-        initialize_chain_clean(self.options.tmpdir, 4)
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.num_nodes = 3
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
 
     def setup_network(self, split=False):
         args = ['-debug=zrpcunsafe,paymentdisclosure', '-experimentalfeatures', '-paymentdisclosure', '-txindex=1']
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/post_heartwood_rollback.py b/qa/rpc-tests/post_heartwood_rollback.py
index 0310d7849..4f11545ea 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/post_heartwood_rollback.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/post_heartwood_rollback.py
@@ -12,7 +12,6 @@ from test_framework.util import (
     assert_equal,
     bitcoind_processes,
     connect_nodes_bi,
-    initialize_chain,
     nuparams,
     start_node,
     start_nodes,
@@ -29,12 +28,8 @@ NO_CANOPY  = [nuparams(BLOSSOM_BRANCH_ID, 205), nuparams(HEARTWOOD_BRANCH_ID, 21
 
 class PostHeartwoodRollbackTest (BitcoinTestFramework):
 
-    def setup_chain(self):
-        print("Initializing test directory "+self.options.tmpdir)
-        initialize_chain(self.options.tmpdir)
-
     def setup_nodes(self):
-        return start_nodes(4, self.options.tmpdir, extra_args=[
+        return start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir, extra_args=[
             HAS_CANOPY,
             HAS_CANOPY,
             NO_CANOPY,
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/proxy_test.py b/qa/rpc-tests/proxy_test.py
index af4595d14..d26f90f7c 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/proxy_test.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/proxy_test.py
@@ -36,6 +36,10 @@ addnode connect to generic DNS name
 
 class ProxyTest(BitcoinTestFramework):        
     def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.num_nodes = 4
+        self.setup_clean_chain = False
+
         self.have_ipv6 = test_ipv6_local()
         # Create two proxies on different ports
         # ... one unauthenticated
@@ -77,7 +81,7 @@ class ProxyTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
             ]
         if self.have_ipv6:
             args[3] = ['-listen', '-debug=net', '-debug=proxy', '-proxy=[%s]:%i' % (self.conf3.addr),'-proxyrandomize=0', '-noonion']
-        return start_nodes(4, self.options.tmpdir, extra_args=args)
+        return start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir, extra_args=args)
 
     def node_test(self, node, proxies, auth, test_onion=True):
         rv = []
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/pruning.py b/qa/rpc-tests/pruning.py
index 7cad82846..cbebeca6b 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/pruning.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/pruning.py
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@
 
 from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
 from test_framework.authproxy import JSONRPCException
-from test_framework.util import initialize_chain_clean, start_node, \
+from test_framework.util import start_node, \
     connect_nodes, stop_node, sync_blocks
 
 import os.path
@@ -25,6 +25,10 @@ def calc_usage(blockdir):
 class PruneTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
     def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
+        self.num_nodes = 3
+
         self.utxo = []
         self.address = ["",""]
 
@@ -46,10 +50,6 @@ class PruneTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
             self.txouts = self.txouts + script_pubkey
 
 
-    def setup_chain(self):
-        print("Initializing test directory "+self.options.tmpdir)
-        initialize_chain_clean(self.options.tmpdir, 3)
-
     def setup_network(self):
         self.nodes = []
         self.is_network_split = False
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/rawtransactions.py b/qa/rpc-tests/rawtransactions.py
index 707a8bb17..0c5ae32fb 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/rawtransactions.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/rawtransactions.py
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@
 
 from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
 from test_framework.authproxy import JSONRPCException
-from test_framework.util import assert_equal, initialize_chain_clean, \
+from test_framework.util import assert_equal, \
     start_nodes, connect_nodes_bi, assert_raises
 
 from decimal import Decimal
@@ -18,12 +18,13 @@ from decimal import Decimal
 # Create one-input, one-output, no-fee transaction:
 class RawTransactionsTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
-    def setup_chain(self):
-        print("Initializing test directory "+self.options.tmpdir)
-        initialize_chain_clean(self.options.tmpdir, 3)
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
+        self.num_nodes = 3
 
     def setup_network(self, split=False):
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(3, self.options.tmpdir)
+        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir)
 
         #connect to a local machine for debugging
         #url = "http://bitcoinrpc:DP6DvqZtqXarpeNWyN3LZTFchCCyCUuHwNF7E8pX99x1@%s:%d" % ('127.0.0.1', 18232)
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/receivedby.py b/qa/rpc-tests/receivedby.py
index 41db262b4..e124b0fde 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/receivedby.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/receivedby.py
@@ -53,6 +53,11 @@ def check_array_result(object_array, to_match, expected, should_not_find = False
 
 class ReceivedByTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.num_nodes = 4
+        self.setup_clean_chain = False
+
     def run_test(self):
         '''
         listreceivedbyaddress Test
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/reindex.py b/qa/rpc-tests/reindex.py
index b66257a51..432d1e002 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/reindex.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/reindex.py
@@ -8,15 +8,16 @@
 #
 
 from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
-from test_framework.util import assert_equal, initialize_chain_clean, \
+from test_framework.util import assert_equal, \
     start_node, stop_node, wait_bitcoinds
 
 
 class ReindexTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
-    def setup_chain(self):
-        print("Initializing test directory "+self.options.tmpdir)
-        initialize_chain_clean(self.options.tmpdir, 1)
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
+        self.num_nodes = 1
 
     def setup_network(self):
         self.nodes = []
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/remove_sprout_shielding.py b/qa/rpc-tests/remove_sprout_shielding.py
index 2aa5bbcae..29ff2acc9 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/remove_sprout_shielding.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/remove_sprout_shielding.py
@@ -8,7 +8,6 @@ from test_framework.authproxy import JSONRPCException
 from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
 from test_framework.util import (
     assert_equal,
-    initialize_chain,
     start_nodes, get_coinbase_address,
     wait_and_assert_operationid_status,
     nuparams, BLOSSOM_BRANCH_ID, HEARTWOOD_BRANCH_ID, CANOPY_BRANCH_ID
@@ -23,12 +22,8 @@ HAS_CANOPY = ['-nurejectoldversions=false',
 ]
 class RemoveSproutShieldingTest (BitcoinTestFramework):
 
-    def setup_chain(self):
-        print("Initializing test directory "+self.options.tmpdir)
-        initialize_chain(self.options.tmpdir)
-
     def setup_nodes(self):
-        return start_nodes(4, self.options.tmpdir, extra_args=[HAS_CANOPY]*4)
+        return start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir, extra_args=[HAS_CANOPY] * self.num_nodes)
 
     def run_test (self):
 
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/rest.py b/qa/rpc-tests/rest.py
index c6e266afe..bcc7ef9ad 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/rest.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/rest.py
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 
 from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
 from test_framework.util import assert_equal, assert_greater_than, \
-    initialize_chain_clean, start_nodes, connect_nodes_bi
+    start_nodes, connect_nodes_bi
 
 import struct
 import binascii
@@ -51,12 +51,13 @@ def http_post_call(host, port, path, requestdata = '', response_object = 0):
 class RESTTest (BitcoinTestFramework):
     FORMAT_SEPARATOR = "."
 
-    def setup_chain(self):
-        print("Initializing test directory "+self.options.tmpdir)
-        initialize_chain_clean(self.options.tmpdir, 3)
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
+        self.num_nodes = 3
 
     def setup_network(self, split=False):
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(3, self.options.tmpdir)
+        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir)
         connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,0,1)
         connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,1,2)
         connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,0,2)
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/rewind_index.py b/qa/rpc-tests/rewind_index.py
index 27d55891f..00816822d 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/rewind_index.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/rewind_index.py
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
 # file COPYING or https://www.opensource.org/licenses/mit-license.php .
 
 from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
-from test_framework.util import assert_equal, initialize_chain_clean, \
+from test_framework.util import assert_equal, \
     start_nodes, start_node, connect_nodes_bi, bitcoind_processes, \
     nuparams, OVERWINTER_BRANCH_ID, SAPLING_BRANCH_ID
 
@@ -15,15 +15,16 @@ FAKE_OVERWINTER = [nuparams(OVERWINTER_BRANCH_ID, 10), nuparams(SAPLING_BRANCH_I
 
 class RewindBlockIndexTest (BitcoinTestFramework):
 
-    def setup_chain(self):
-        print("Initializing test directory "+self.options.tmpdir)
-        initialize_chain_clean(self.options.tmpdir, 3)
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.num_nodes = 3
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
 
     def setup_network(self, split=False):
         # Node 0 - Overwinter, then Sprout, then Overwinter again
         # Node 1 - Sprout
         # Node 2 - Overwinter
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(3, self.options.tmpdir, extra_args=[
+        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir, extra_args=[
             FAKE_OVERWINTER,
             FAKE_SPROUT,
             FAKE_OVERWINTER,
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/rpcbind_test.py b/qa/rpc-tests/rpcbind_test.py
index afb2f04db..8c877464e 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/rpcbind_test.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/rpcbind_test.py
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ def run_bind_test(tmpdir, allow_ips, connect_to, addresses, expected):
     if allow_ips:
         base_args += ['-rpcallowip=' + x for x in allow_ips]
     binds = ['-rpcbind='+addr for addr in addresses]
-    nodes = start_nodes(1, tmpdir, [base_args + binds], connect_to)
+    nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, tmpdir, [base_args + binds], connect_to)
     try:
         pid = bitcoind_processes[0].pid
         assert_equal(set(get_bind_addrs(pid)), set(expected))
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ def run_allowip_test(tmpdir, allow_ips, rpchost, rpcport):
     at a non-localhost IP.
     '''
     base_args = ['-disablewallet', '-nolisten'] + ['-rpcallowip='+x for x in allow_ips]
-    nodes = start_nodes(1, tmpdir, [base_args])
+    nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, tmpdir, [base_args])
     try:
         # connect to node through non-loopback interface
         url = "http://rt:rt@%s:%d" % (rpchost, rpcport,)
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/sapling_rewind_check.py b/qa/rpc-tests/sapling_rewind_check.py
index 05c0bae72..03065aac0 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/sapling_rewind_check.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/sapling_rewind_check.py
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ length computation (40b5d5e3ea4b602c34c4efaba0b9f6171dddfef5) corrects the issue
 
 from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
 from test_framework.util import (assert_equal, assert_true,
-    initialize_chain_clean, start_nodes, start_node, connect_nodes_bi,
+    start_nodes, start_node, connect_nodes_bi,
     bitcoind_processes,
     nuparams, OVERWINTER_BRANCH_ID, SAPLING_BRANCH_ID)
 
@@ -39,14 +39,15 @@ HAS_SAPLING = [nuparams(OVERWINTER_BRANCH_ID, 10), nuparams(SAPLING_BRANCH_ID, 1
 NO_SAPLING = [nuparams(OVERWINTER_BRANCH_ID, 10), nuparams(SAPLING_BRANCH_ID, 150)]
 
 class SaplingRewindTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-    def setup_chain(self):
-        logging.info("Initializing test directory "+self.options.tmpdir)
-        initialize_chain_clean(self.options.tmpdir, 4)
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.num_nodes = 3
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
 
     # This mirrors how the network was setup in the bash test
     def setup_network(self, split=False):
         logging.info("Initializing the network in "+self.options.tmpdir)
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(3, self.options.tmpdir, extra_args=[
+        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir, extra_args=[
                 HAS_SAPLING, # The first two nodes have a correct view of the network,
                 HAS_SAPLING, # the third will rewind after upgrading.
                 NO_SAPLING
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/shorter_block_times.py b/qa/rpc-tests/shorter_block_times.py
index e57602cc4..d3ff5e079 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/shorter_block_times.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/shorter_block_times.py
@@ -8,21 +8,21 @@ from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
 from test_framework.util import (
     assert_equal,
     get_coinbase_address,
-    initialize_chain_clean,
     start_nodes,
     wait_and_assert_operationid_status,
 )
 
 
 class ShorterBlockTimes(BitcoinTestFramework):
-    def setup_nodes(self):
-        return start_nodes(4, self.options.tmpdir, [[
-            '-nuparams=2bb40e60:106', # Blossom
-        ]] * 4)
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.num_nodes = 4
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
 
-    def setup_chain(self):
-        print("Initializing test directory " + self.options.tmpdir)
-        initialize_chain_clean(self.options.tmpdir, 4)
+    def setup_nodes(self):
+        return start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir, [[
+            '-nuparams=2bb40e60:106', # Blossom
+        ]] * self.num_nodes)
 
     def run_test(self):
         print("Mining blocks...")
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/signrawtransactions.py b/qa/rpc-tests/signrawtransactions.py
index 97ec39384..2c8e36817 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/signrawtransactions.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/signrawtransactions.py
@@ -4,19 +4,19 @@
 # file COPYING or https://www.opensource.org/licenses/mit-license.php .
 
 from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
-from test_framework.util import assert_equal, initialize_chain_clean, \
-    start_nodes
+from test_framework.util import assert_equal, start_nodes
 
 
 class SignRawTransactionsTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
     """Tests transaction signing via RPC command "signrawtransaction"."""
 
-    def setup_chain(self):
-        print('Initializing test directory ' + self.options.tmpdir)
-        initialize_chain_clean(self.options.tmpdir, 1)
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
+        self.num_nodes = 1
 
     def setup_network(self, split=False):
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(1, self.options.tmpdir)
+        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir)
         self.is_network_split = False
 
     def successful_signing_test(self):
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/smartfees.py b/qa/rpc-tests/smartfees.py
index 6ebaf4355..44086fa4f 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/smartfees.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/smartfees.py
@@ -142,6 +142,11 @@ def check_estimates(node, fees_seen, max_invalid, print_estimates = True):
 
 class EstimateFeeTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.num_nodes = 3
+        self.setup_clean_chain = False
+
     def setup_network(self):
         '''
         We'll setup the network to have 3 nodes that all mine with different parameters.
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/sprout_sapling_migration.py b/qa/rpc-tests/sprout_sapling_migration.py
index 56bc28839..ebc96c58f 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/sprout_sapling_migration.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/sprout_sapling_migration.py
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
 from decimal import Decimal
 from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
 from test_framework.util import assert_equal, assert_true, get_coinbase_address, \
-    initialize_chain_clean, start_nodes, wait_and_assert_operationid_status, \
+    start_nodes, wait_and_assert_operationid_status, \
     wait_and_assert_operationid_status_result
 
 SAPLING_ADDR = 'zregtestsapling1ssqj3f3majnl270985gqcdqedd9t4nlttjqskccwevj2v20sc25deqspv3masufnwcdy67cydyy'
@@ -49,9 +49,14 @@ def check_migration_status(node, destination_address, migration_state):
 
 
 class SproutSaplingMigration(BitcoinTestFramework):
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.num_nodes = 4
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
+
     def setup_nodes(self):
         extra_args = [[
-        ]] * 4
+        ]] * self.num_nodes
         # Add migration parameters to nodes[0]
         extra_args[0] = extra_args[0] + [
             '-migration',
@@ -60,11 +65,7 @@ class SproutSaplingMigration(BitcoinTestFramework):
         ]
         assert_equal(3, len(extra_args[0]))
         assert_equal(0, len(extra_args[1]))
-        return start_nodes(4, self.options.tmpdir, extra_args)
-
-    def setup_chain(self):
-        print("Initializing test directory " + self.options.tmpdir)
-        initialize_chain_clean(self.options.tmpdir, 4)
+        return start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir, extra_args)
 
     def run_migration_test(self, node, sproutAddr, saplingAddr, target_height):
         # Make sure we are in a good state to run the test
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/test_framework/test_framework.py b/qa/rpc-tests/test_framework/test_framework.py
index a8a3da5e8..1ab9e3024 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/test_framework/test_framework.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/test_framework/test_framework.py
@@ -16,7 +16,6 @@ import traceback
 from .authproxy import JSONRPCException
 from .util import (
     initialize_chain,
-    assert_equal,
     start_nodes,
     connect_nodes_bi,
     sync_blocks,
@@ -32,21 +31,26 @@ from .util import (
 
 class BitcoinTestFramework(object):
 
-    # These may be over-ridden by subclasses:
+    def __init__(self):
+        self.num_nodes = 4
+        self.setup_clean_chain = False
+        self.nodes = None
+
     def run_test(self):
-        for node in self.nodes:
-            assert_equal(node.getblockcount(), 200)
-            assert_equal(node.getbalance(), 25*10)
+        raise NotImplementedError
 
     def add_options(self, parser):
         pass
 
     def setup_chain(self):
         print("Initializing test directory "+self.options.tmpdir)
-        initialize_chain(self.options.tmpdir)
+        if self.setup_clean_chain:
+            initialize_chain_clean(self.options.tmpdir, self.num_nodes)
+        else:
+            initialize_chain(self.options.tmpdir, self.num_nodes)
 
     def setup_nodes(self):
-        return start_nodes(4, self.options.tmpdir)
+        return start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir)
 
     def setup_network(self, split = False):
         self.nodes = self.setup_nodes()
@@ -181,9 +185,10 @@ class BitcoinTestFramework(object):
 
 class ComparisonTestFramework(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
-    # Can override the num_nodes variable to indicate how many nodes to run.
     def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
         self.num_nodes = 2
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
 
     def add_options(self, parser):
         parser.add_option("--testbinary", dest="testbinary",
@@ -193,10 +198,6 @@ class ComparisonTestFramework(BitcoinTestFramework):
                           default=os.getenv("BITCOIND", "bitcoind"),
                           help="bitcoind binary to use for reference nodes (if any)")
 
-    def setup_chain(self):
-        print("Initializing test directory "+self.options.tmpdir)
-        initialize_chain_clean(self.options.tmpdir, self.num_nodes)
-
     def setup_network(self):
         self.nodes = start_nodes(
             self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir,
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/test_framework/util.py b/qa/rpc-tests/test_framework/util.py
index f05a2edd5..c8036a44f 100644
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/test_framework/util.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/test_framework/util.py
@@ -186,10 +186,10 @@ def wait_for_bitcoind_start(process, url, i):
                 raise # unknown JSON RPC exception
         time.sleep(0.25)
 
-def initialize_chain(test_dir):
+def initialize_chain(test_dir, num_nodes):
     """
-    Create (or copy from cache) a 200-block-long chain and
-    4 wallets.
+    Create a cache of a 200-block-long chain (with wallet) for MAX_NODES
+    Afterward, create num_nodes copies from the cache
     """
 
     # Due to the consensus change fix for the timejacking attack, we need to
@@ -213,18 +213,22 @@ def initialize_chain(test_dir):
             print("initialize_chain(): Removing stale cache")
             shutil.rmtree("cache")
 
-    if (not os.path.isdir(os.path.join("cache","node0"))
-        or not os.path.isdir(os.path.join("cache","node1"))
-        or not os.path.isdir(os.path.join("cache","node2"))
-        or not os.path.isdir(os.path.join("cache","node3"))):
+    assert num_nodes <= MAX_NODES
+    create_cache = False
+    for i in range(MAX_NODES):
+        if not os.path.isdir(os.path.join('cache', 'node'+str(i))):
+            create_cache = True
+            break
+
+    if create_cache:
 
         #find and delete old cache directories if any exist
-        for i in range(4):
+        for i in range(MAX_NODES):
             if os.path.isdir(os.path.join("cache","node"+str(i))):
                 shutil.rmtree(os.path.join("cache","node"+str(i)))
 
         # Create cache directories, run bitcoinds:
-        for i in range(4):
+        for i in range(MAX_NODES):
             datadir=initialize_datadir("cache", i)
             args = [ os.getenv("BITCOIND", "bitcoind"), "-keypool=1", "-datadir="+datadir, "-discover=0" ]
             args.extend([
@@ -241,15 +245,18 @@ def initialize_chain(test_dir):
                 print("initialize_chain: RPC successfully started")
 
         rpcs = []
-        for i in range(4):
+        for i in range(MAX_NODES):
             try:
                 rpcs.append(get_rpc_proxy(rpc_url(i), i))
             except:
                 sys.stderr.write("Error connecting to "+rpc_url(i)+"\n")
                 sys.exit(1)
 
-        # Create a 200-block-long chain; each of the 4 nodes
+        # Create a 200-block-long chain; each of the 4 first nodes
         # gets 25 mature blocks and 25 immature.
+        # Note: To preserve compatibility with older versions of
+        # initialize_chain, only 4 nodes will generate coins.
+        #
         # Blocks are created with timestamps 2.5 minutes apart (matching the
         # chain defaulting above to Sapling active), starting 200 * 2.5 minutes
         # before the current time.
@@ -268,13 +275,13 @@ def initialize_chain(test_dir):
         # Shut them down, and clean up cache directories:
         stop_nodes(rpcs)
         wait_bitcoinds()
-        for i in range(4):
+        for i in range(MAX_NODES):
             os.remove(log_filename("cache", i, "debug.log"))
             os.remove(log_filename("cache", i, "db.log"))
             os.remove(log_filename("cache", i, "peers.dat"))
             os.remove(log_filename("cache", i, "fee_estimates.dat"))
 
-    for i in range(4):
+    for i in range(num_nodes):
         from_dir = os.path.join("cache", "node"+str(i))
         to_dir = os.path.join(test_dir,  "node"+str(i))
         shutil.copytree(from_dir, to_dir)
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/turnstile.py b/qa/rpc-tests/turnstile.py
index 18cd34629..4b02b9619 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/turnstile.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/turnstile.py
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ from test_framework.util import (
     get_coinbase_address,
     start_node, start_nodes,
     sync_blocks, sync_mempools,
-    initialize_chain_clean, connect_nodes_bi,
+    connect_nodes_bi,
     wait_and_assert_operationid_status,
     bitcoind_processes,
     check_node_log
@@ -44,12 +44,13 @@ TURNSTILE_ARGS = ['-experimentalfeatures',
 
 class TurnstileTest (BitcoinTestFramework):
 
-    def setup_chain(self):
-        print("Initializing test directory " + self.options.tmpdir)
-        initialize_chain_clean(self.options.tmpdir, 3)
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.num_nodes = 3
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
 
     def setup_network(self, split=False):
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(3, self.options.tmpdir)
+        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir)
         connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,0,1)
         connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,1,2)
         self.is_network_split=False
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/txn_doublespend.py b/qa/rpc-tests/txn_doublespend.py
index 2751fc70e..12d7f76dc 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/txn_doublespend.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/txn_doublespend.py
@@ -14,6 +14,11 @@ from test_framework.util import assert_equal, connect_nodes, \
 
 class TxnMallTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.num_nodes = 4
+        self.setup_clean_chain = False
+
     def add_options(self, parser):
         parser.add_option("--mineblock", dest="mine_block", default=False, action="store_true",
                           help="Test double-spend of 1-confirmed transaction")
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/wallet.py b/qa/rpc-tests/wallet.py
index b09316716..310d9b44b 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/wallet.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/wallet.py
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
 from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
 from test_framework.authproxy import JSONRPCException
 from test_framework.util import assert_equal, assert_greater_than, \
-    initialize_chain_clean, start_nodes, start_node, connect_nodes_bi, \
+    start_nodes, start_node, connect_nodes_bi, \
     stop_nodes, sync_blocks, sync_mempools, wait_and_assert_operationid_status, \
     wait_bitcoinds
 
@@ -14,9 +14,10 @@ from decimal import Decimal
 
 class WalletTest (BitcoinTestFramework):
 
-    def setup_chain(self):
-        print("Initializing test directory "+self.options.tmpdir)
-        initialize_chain_clean(self.options.tmpdir, 4)
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
+        self.num_nodes = 4
 
     def setup_network(self, split=False):
         self.nodes = start_nodes(3, self.options.tmpdir)
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/wallet_nullifiers.py b/qa/rpc-tests/wallet_nullifiers.py
index 07c1f1d0d..ee62e5a96 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/wallet_nullifiers.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/wallet_nullifiers.py
@@ -13,8 +13,8 @@ from decimal import Decimal
 class WalletNullifiersTest (BitcoinTestFramework):
 
     def setup_nodes(self):
-        return start_nodes(4, self.options.tmpdir,
-                           extra_args=[['-experimentalfeatures', '-developerencryptwallet']] * 4)
+        return start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir,
+                           extra_args=[['-experimentalfeatures', '-developerencryptwallet']] * self.num_nodes)
 
     def run_test (self):
         # add zaddr to node 0
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/wallet_overwintertx.py b/qa/rpc-tests/wallet_overwintertx.py
index 218de5109..78b7ce1fb 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/wallet_overwintertx.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/wallet_overwintertx.py
@@ -9,7 +9,6 @@ from test_framework.util import (
     assert_greater_than,
     connect_nodes_bi,
     get_coinbase_address,
-    initialize_chain_clean,
     start_nodes,
     wait_and_assert_operationid_status,
 )
@@ -19,16 +18,17 @@ from decimal import Decimal
 
 class WalletOverwinterTxTest (BitcoinTestFramework):
 
-    def setup_chain(self):
-        print("Initializing test directory "+self.options.tmpdir)
-        initialize_chain_clean(self.options.tmpdir, 4)
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.num_nodes = 4
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
 
     def setup_network(self, split=False):
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(4, self.options.tmpdir, extra_args=[[
+        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir, extra_args=[[
             "-nuparams=2bb40e60:200",
             "-debug=zrpcunsafe",
             "-txindex",
-        ]] * 4 )
+        ]] * self.num_nodes)
         connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,0,1)
         connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,1,2)
         connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,0,2)
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/wallet_sapling.py b/qa/rpc-tests/wallet_sapling.py
index 26a1b68ea..7f9d52b5f 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/wallet_sapling.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/wallet_sapling.py
@@ -8,7 +8,6 @@ from test_framework.authproxy import JSONRPCException
 from test_framework.util import (
     assert_equal,
     get_coinbase_address,
-    start_nodes,
     wait_and_assert_operationid_status,
 )
 
@@ -17,9 +16,6 @@ from decimal import Decimal
 # Test wallet behaviour with Sapling addresses
 class WalletSaplingTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
-    def setup_nodes(self):
-        return start_nodes(4, self.options.tmpdir)
-
     def run_test(self):
         # Sanity-check the test harness
         assert_equal(self.nodes[0].getblockcount(), 200)
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/walletbackup.py b/qa/rpc-tests/walletbackup.py
index d22a26088..463fe63b0 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/walletbackup.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/walletbackup.py
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ and confirm again balances are correct.
 
 from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
 from test_framework.authproxy import JSONRPCException
-from test_framework.util import assert_equal, initialize_chain_clean, \
+from test_framework.util import assert_equal, \
     start_nodes, start_node, connect_nodes, stop_node, \
     sync_blocks, sync_mempools
 
@@ -50,9 +50,10 @@ logging.basicConfig(format='%(levelname)s: %(message)s', level=logging.INFO, str
 
 class WalletBackupTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
-    def setup_chain(self):
-        logging.info("Initializing test directory "+self.options.tmpdir)
-        initialize_chain_clean(self.options.tmpdir, 4)
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
+        self.num_nodes = 4
 
     # This mirrors how the network was setup in the bash test
     def setup_network(self, split=False):
@@ -63,7 +64,7 @@ class WalletBackupTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
         # nodes 1, 2,3 are spenders, let's give them a keypool=100
         extra_args = [["-keypool=100", ed0], ["-keypool=100", ed1], ["-keypool=100", ed2], []]
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(4, self.options.tmpdir, extra_args)
+        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir, extra_args)
         connect_nodes(self.nodes[0], 3)
         connect_nodes(self.nodes[1], 3)
         connect_nodes(self.nodes[2], 3)
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/zapwallettxes.py b/qa/rpc-tests/zapwallettxes.py
index 165b2451f..9985eb89b 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/zapwallettxes.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/zapwallettxes.py
@@ -5,18 +5,19 @@
 
 from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
 from test_framework.authproxy import JSONRPCException
-from test_framework.util import assert_equal, initialize_chain_clean, \
+from test_framework.util import assert_equal, \
     start_nodes, start_node, connect_nodes_bi, bitcoind_processes
 
 
 class ZapWalletTXesTest (BitcoinTestFramework):
 
-    def setup_chain(self):
-        print("Initializing test directory "+self.options.tmpdir)
-        initialize_chain_clean(self.options.tmpdir, 3)
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
+        self.num_nodes = 3
 
     def setup_network(self, split=False):
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(3, self.options.tmpdir)
+        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir)
         connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,0,1)
         connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,1,2)
         connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,0,2)
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/zcjoinsplit.py b/qa/rpc-tests/zcjoinsplit.py
index 821c1256c..85af3c1fb 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/zcjoinsplit.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/zcjoinsplit.py
@@ -10,6 +10,10 @@ from test_framework.util import assert_equal, start_node, \
 
 
 class JoinSplitTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.num_nodes = 1
+
     def setup_network(self):
         self.nodes = []
         self.is_network_split = False
diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/zmq_test.py b/qa/rpc-tests/zmq_test.py
index 551ffaf09..c679bc8f7 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/zmq_test.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/zmq_test.py
@@ -15,6 +15,10 @@ import struct
 
 class ZMQTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.num_nodes = 4
+
     port = 28332
 
     def setup_nodes(self):
@@ -23,7 +27,7 @@ class ZMQTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         self.zmqSubSocket.setsockopt(zmq.SUBSCRIBE, b"hashblock")
         self.zmqSubSocket.setsockopt(zmq.SUBSCRIBE, b"hashtx")
         self.zmqSubSocket.connect("tcp://127.0.0.1:%i" % self.port)
-        return start_nodes(4, self.options.tmpdir, extra_args=[
+        return start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir, extra_args=[
             ['-zmqpubhashtx=tcp://127.0.0.1:'+str(self.port), '-zmqpubhashblock=tcp://127.0.0.1:'+str(self.port)],
             [],
             [],