diff --git a/test/functional/README.md b/test/functional/README.md
index 44efda33d..2558bd017 100644
--- a/test/functional/README.md
+++ b/test/functional/README.md
@@ -24,8 +24,8 @@ don't have test cases for.
 - Use a module-level docstring to describe what the test is testing, and how it
   is testing it.
 - When subclassing the BitcoinTestFramwork, place overrides for the
-  `__init__()`, and `setup_xxxx()` methods at the top of the subclass, then
-  locally-defined helper methods, then the `run_test()` method.
+  `set_test_params()`, `add_options()` and `setup_xxxx()` methods at the top of
+  the subclass, then locally-defined helper methods, then the `run_test()` method.
 
 #### General test-writing advice
 
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ don't have test cases for.
 - Avoid stop-starting the nodes multiple times during the test if possible. A
   stop-start takes several seconds, so doing it several times blows up the
   runtime of the test.
-- Set the `self.setup_clean_chain` variable in `__init__()` to control whether
+- Set the `self.setup_clean_chain` variable in `set_test_params()` to control whether
   or not to use the cached data directories. The cached data directories
   contain a 200-block pre-mined blockchain and wallets for four nodes. Each node
   has 25 mature blocks (25x50=1250 BTC) in its wallet.
diff --git a/test/functional/abandonconflict.py b/test/functional/abandonconflict.py
index c87c02492..e8dbc8646 100755
--- a/test/functional/abandonconflict.py
+++ b/test/functional/abandonconflict.py
@@ -14,10 +14,8 @@ from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
 from test_framework.util import *
 
 class AbandonConflictTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.num_nodes = 2
-        self.setup_clean_chain = False
         self.extra_args = [["-minrelaytxfee=0.00001"], []]
 
     def run_test(self):
@@ -74,7 +72,7 @@ class AbandonConflictTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         # Restart the node with a higher min relay fee so the parent tx is no longer in mempool
         # TODO: redo with eviction
         self.stop_node(0)
-        self.nodes[0] = self.start_node(0, self.options.tmpdir, ["-minrelaytxfee=0.0001"])
+        self.start_node(0, extra_args=["-minrelaytxfee=0.0001"])
 
         # Verify txs no longer in either node's mempool
         assert_equal(len(self.nodes[0].getrawmempool()), 0)
@@ -101,7 +99,7 @@ class AbandonConflictTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
         # Verify that even with a low min relay fee, the tx is not reaccepted from wallet on startup once abandoned
         self.stop_node(0)
-        self.nodes[0] = self.start_node(0, self.options.tmpdir, ["-minrelaytxfee=0.00001"])
+        self.start_node(0, extra_args=["-minrelaytxfee=0.00001"])
         assert_equal(len(self.nodes[0].getrawmempool()), 0)
         assert_equal(self.nodes[0].getbalance(), balance)
 
@@ -121,7 +119,7 @@ class AbandonConflictTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
         # Remove using high relay fee again
         self.stop_node(0)
-        self.nodes[0] = self.start_node(0, self.options.tmpdir, ["-minrelaytxfee=0.0001"])
+        self.start_node(0, extra_args=["-minrelaytxfee=0.0001"])
         assert_equal(len(self.nodes[0].getrawmempool()), 0)
         newbalance = self.nodes[0].getbalance()
         assert_equal(newbalance, balance - Decimal("24.9996"))
diff --git a/test/functional/assumevalid.py b/test/functional/assumevalid.py
index 9d17faac5..beaf8c705 100755
--- a/test/functional/assumevalid.py
+++ b/test/functional/assumevalid.py
@@ -54,16 +54,16 @@ class BaseNode(NodeConnCB):
         self.send_message(headers_message)
 
 class AssumeValidTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 3
 
     def setup_network(self):
+        self.add_nodes(3)
         # Start node0. We don't start the other nodes yet since
         # we need to pre-mine a block with an invalid transaction
         # signature so we can pass in the block hash as assumevalid.
-        self.nodes = [self.start_node(0, self.options.tmpdir)]
+        self.start_node(0)
 
     def send_blocks_until_disconnected(self, node):
         """Keep sending blocks to the node until we're disconnected."""
@@ -162,15 +162,13 @@ class AssumeValidTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
             height += 1
 
         # Start node1 and node2 with assumevalid so they accept a block with a bad signature.
-        self.nodes.append(self.start_node(1, self.options.tmpdir,
-                                     ["-assumevalid=" + hex(block102.sha256)]))
+        self.start_node(1, extra_args=["-assumevalid=" + hex(block102.sha256)])
         node1 = BaseNode()  # connects to node1
         connections.append(NodeConn('127.0.0.1', p2p_port(1), self.nodes[1], node1))
         node1.add_connection(connections[1])
         node1.wait_for_verack()
 
-        self.nodes.append(self.start_node(2, self.options.tmpdir,
-                                     ["-assumevalid=" + hex(block102.sha256)]))
+        self.start_node(2, extra_args=["-assumevalid=" + hex(block102.sha256)])
         node2 = BaseNode()  # connects to node2
         connections.append(NodeConn('127.0.0.1', p2p_port(2), self.nodes[2], node2))
         node2.add_connection(connections[2])
diff --git a/test/functional/bip65-cltv-p2p.py b/test/functional/bip65-cltv-p2p.py
index 65ae8de55..2cd6df6e3 100755
--- a/test/functional/bip65-cltv-p2p.py
+++ b/test/functional/bip65-cltv-p2p.py
@@ -60,9 +60,7 @@ def create_transaction(node, coinbase, to_address, amount):
     return tx
 
 class BIP65Test(BitcoinTestFramework):
-
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.num_nodes = 1
         self.extra_args = [['-promiscuousmempoolflags=1', '-whitelist=127.0.0.1']]
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
diff --git a/test/functional/bip68-112-113-p2p.py b/test/functional/bip68-112-113-p2p.py
index 5a322e8c0..7e6a4f440 100755
--- a/test/functional/bip68-112-113-p2p.py
+++ b/test/functional/bip68-112-113-p2p.py
@@ -92,9 +92,9 @@ def all_rlt_txs(txarray):
     return txs
 
 class BIP68_112_113Test(ComparisonTestFramework):
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.num_nodes = 1
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.extra_args = [['-whitelist=127.0.0.1', '-blockversion=4']]
 
     def run_test(self):
diff --git a/test/functional/bip68-sequence.py b/test/functional/bip68-sequence.py
index 6968b46f7..381828720 100755
--- a/test/functional/bip68-sequence.py
+++ b/test/functional/bip68-sequence.py
@@ -17,10 +17,8 @@ SEQUENCE_LOCKTIME_MASK = 0x0000ffff
 NOT_FINAL_ERROR = "64: non-BIP68-final"
 
 class BIP68Test(BitcoinTestFramework):
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.num_nodes = 2
-        self.setup_clean_chain = False
         self.extra_args = [[], ["-acceptnonstdtxn=0"]]
 
     def run_test(self):
diff --git a/test/functional/bip9-softforks.py b/test/functional/bip9-softforks.py
index f00232c9f..904789301 100755
--- a/test/functional/bip9-softforks.py
+++ b/test/functional/bip9-softforks.py
@@ -28,11 +28,10 @@ from test_framework.comptool import TestInstance, TestManager
 from test_framework.script import CScript, OP_1NEGATE, OP_CHECKSEQUENCEVERIFY, OP_DROP
 
 class BIP9SoftForksTest(ComparisonTestFramework):
-
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.num_nodes = 1
         self.extra_args = [['-whitelist=127.0.0.1']]
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
 
     def run_test(self):
         self.test = TestManager(self, self.options.tmpdir)
@@ -241,6 +240,7 @@ class BIP9SoftForksTest(ComparisonTestFramework):
         # Restart all
         self.test.clear_all_connections()
         self.stop_nodes()
+        self.nodes = []
         shutil.rmtree(self.options.tmpdir + "/node0")
         self.setup_chain()
         self.setup_network()
diff --git a/test/functional/bipdersig-p2p.py b/test/functional/bipdersig-p2p.py
index 977597089..c620d3e15 100755
--- a/test/functional/bipdersig-p2p.py
+++ b/test/functional/bipdersig-p2p.py
@@ -48,9 +48,7 @@ def create_transaction(node, coinbase, to_address, amount):
     return tx
 
 class BIP66Test(BitcoinTestFramework):
-
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.num_nodes = 1
         self.extra_args = [['-promiscuousmempoolflags=1', '-whitelist=127.0.0.1']]
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
diff --git a/test/functional/blockchain.py b/test/functional/blockchain.py
index 0812e1b0d..5d04de994 100755
--- a/test/functional/blockchain.py
+++ b/test/functional/blockchain.py
@@ -30,12 +30,8 @@ from test_framework.util import (
     assert_is_hash_string,
 )
 
-
 class BlockchainTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
-        self.setup_clean_chain = False
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.num_nodes = 1
         self.extra_args = [['-stopatheight=207']]
 
@@ -146,7 +142,7 @@ class BlockchainTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
             pass  # The node already shut down before response
         self.log.debug('Node should stop at this height...')
         self.nodes[0].process.wait(timeout=BITCOIND_PROC_WAIT_TIMEOUT)
-        self.nodes[0] = self.start_node(0, self.options.tmpdir)
+        self.start_node(0)
         assert_equal(self.nodes[0].getblockcount(), 207)
 
 
diff --git a/test/functional/bumpfee.py b/test/functional/bumpfee.py
index 553ef4cd0..dde87d5bd 100755
--- a/test/functional/bumpfee.py
+++ b/test/functional/bumpfee.py
@@ -30,25 +30,21 @@ WALLET_PASSPHRASE_TIMEOUT = 3600
 
 
 class BumpFeeTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.num_nodes = 2
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
+        self.extra_args = [["-prematurewitness", "-walletprematurewitness", "-walletrbf={}".format(i)]
+                           for i in range(self.num_nodes)]
 
-    def setup_network(self, split=False):
-        extra_args = [["-prematurewitness", "-walletprematurewitness", "-walletrbf={}".format(i)]
-                      for i in range(self.num_nodes)]
-        self.nodes = self.start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir, extra_args)
-
+    def run_test(self):
         # Encrypt wallet for test_locked_wallet_fails test
         self.nodes[1].node_encrypt_wallet(WALLET_PASSPHRASE)
-        self.nodes[1] = self.start_node(1, self.options.tmpdir, extra_args[1])
+        self.start_node(1)
         self.nodes[1].walletpassphrase(WALLET_PASSPHRASE, WALLET_PASSPHRASE_TIMEOUT)
 
         connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes, 0, 1)
         self.sync_all()
 
-    def run_test(self):
         peer_node, rbf_node = self.nodes
         rbf_node_address = rbf_node.getnewaddress()
 
diff --git a/test/functional/create_cache.py b/test/functional/create_cache.py
index 39c4c0f47..7d4d1a529 100755
--- a/test/functional/create_cache.py
+++ b/test/functional/create_cache.py
@@ -12,13 +12,10 @@ tests are being run in parallel.
 from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
 
 class CreateCache(BitcoinTestFramework):
+    # Test network and test nodes are not required:
 
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
-
-        # Test network and test nodes are not required:
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.num_nodes = 0
-        self.nodes = []
 
     def setup_network(self):
         pass
diff --git a/test/functional/dbcrash.py b/test/functional/dbcrash.py
index a7fcc411c..71424f641 100755
--- a/test/functional/dbcrash.py
+++ b/test/functional/dbcrash.py
@@ -43,8 +43,7 @@ except AttributeError:
     pass
 
 class ChainstateWriteCrashTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.num_nodes = 4
         self.setup_clean_chain = False
 
@@ -65,7 +64,8 @@ class ChainstateWriteCrashTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
     def setup_network(self):
         # Need a bit of extra time for the nodes to start up for this test
-        self.nodes = self.start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir, self.extra_args, timewait=90)
+        self.add_nodes(self.num_nodes, timewait=90)
+        self.start_nodes()
         # Leave them unconnected, we'll use submitblock directly in this test
 
     def restart_node(self, node_index, expected_tip):
@@ -78,7 +78,7 @@ class ChainstateWriteCrashTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         while time.time() - time_start < 120:
             try:
                 # Any of these RPC calls could throw due to node crash
-                self.nodes[node_index] = self.start_node(node_index, self.options.tmpdir, self.extra_args[node_index], timewait=90)
+                self.start_node(node_index)
                 self.nodes[node_index].waitforblock(expected_tip)
                 utxo_hash = self.nodes[node_index].gettxoutsetinfo()['hash_serialized_2']
                 return utxo_hash
diff --git a/test/functional/decodescript.py b/test/functional/decodescript.py
index 21a9f1223..6611da883 100755
--- a/test/functional/decodescript.py
+++ b/test/functional/decodescript.py
@@ -10,9 +10,7 @@ from test_framework.mininode import *
 from io import BytesIO
 
 class DecodeScriptTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 1
 
diff --git a/test/functional/disablewallet.py b/test/functional/disablewallet.py
index d34451341..c1d37963b 100755
--- a/test/functional/disablewallet.py
+++ b/test/functional/disablewallet.py
@@ -11,11 +11,8 @@
 from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
 from test_framework.util import *
 
-
 class DisableWalletTest (BitcoinTestFramework):
-
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 1
         self.extra_args = [["-disablewallet"]]
diff --git a/test/functional/disconnect_ban.py b/test/functional/disconnect_ban.py
index 19723226d..a6445b9b3 100755
--- a/test/functional/disconnect_ban.py
+++ b/test/functional/disconnect_ban.py
@@ -14,11 +14,8 @@ from test_framework.util import (
 )
 
 class DisconnectBanTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.num_nodes = 2
-        self.setup_clean_chain = False
 
     def run_test(self):
         self.log.info("Test setban and listbanned RPCs")
@@ -68,8 +65,8 @@ class DisconnectBanTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         assert_equal(len(self.nodes[1].listbanned()), 3)
 
         self.stop_node(1)
+        self.start_node(1)
 
-        self.nodes[1] = self.start_node(1, self.options.tmpdir)
         listAfterShutdown = self.nodes[1].listbanned()
         assert_equal("127.0.0.0/24", listAfterShutdown[0]['address'])
         assert_equal("127.0.0.0/32", listAfterShutdown[1]['address'])
diff --git a/test/functional/example_test.py b/test/functional/example_test.py
index 4f9e0a7dd..43f3415c8 100755
--- a/test/functional/example_test.py
+++ b/test/functional/example_test.py
@@ -73,15 +73,13 @@ def custom_function():
 class ExampleTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
     # Each functional test is a subclass of the BitcoinTestFramework class.
 
-    # Override the __init__(), add_options(), setup_chain(), setup_network()
+    # Override the set_test_params(), add_options(), setup_chain(), setup_network()
     # and setup_nodes() methods to customize the test setup as required.
 
-    def __init__(self):
-        """Initialize the test
+    def set_test_params(self):
+        """Override test parameters for your individual test.
 
-        Call super().__init__() first, and then override any test parameters
-        for your individual test."""
-        super().__init__()
+        This method must be overridden and num_nodes must be exlicitly set."""
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 3
         # Use self.extra_args to change command-line arguments for the nodes
diff --git a/test/functional/forknotify.py b/test/functional/forknotify.py
index 3bcf0a679..afcad1f9c 100755
--- a/test/functional/forknotify.py
+++ b/test/functional/forknotify.py
@@ -7,28 +7,18 @@ import os
 import time
 
 from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
-from test_framework.util import *
 
 class ForkNotifyTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.num_nodes = 2
-        self.setup_clean_chain = False
 
     def setup_network(self):
-        self.nodes = []
         self.alert_filename = os.path.join(self.options.tmpdir, "alert.txt")
         with open(self.alert_filename, 'w', encoding='utf8'):
             pass  # Just open then close to create zero-length file
-        self.nodes.append(self.start_node(0, self.options.tmpdir,
-                            ["-blockversion=2", "-alertnotify=echo %s >> \"" + self.alert_filename + "\""]))
-        # Node1 mines block.version=211 blocks
-        self.nodes.append(self.start_node(1, self.options.tmpdir,
-                                ["-blockversion=211"]))
-        connect_nodes(self.nodes[1], 0)
-
-        self.sync_all()
+        self.extra_args = [["-blockversion=2", "-alertnotify=echo %s >> \"" + self.alert_filename + "\""],
+                           ["-blockversion=211"]]
+        super().setup_network()
 
     def run_test(self):
         # Mine 51 up-version blocks
diff --git a/test/functional/fundrawtransaction.py b/test/functional/fundrawtransaction.py
index 9074223cb..75a0dc5f9 100755
--- a/test/functional/fundrawtransaction.py
+++ b/test/functional/fundrawtransaction.py
@@ -14,13 +14,10 @@ def get_unspent(listunspent, amount):
             return utx
     raise AssertionError('Could not find unspent with amount={}'.format(amount))
 
-
 class RawTransactionsTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
-        self.setup_clean_chain = True
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.num_nodes = 4
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
 
     def setup_network(self, split=False):
         self.setup_nodes()
@@ -448,11 +445,11 @@ class RawTransactionsTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         ############################################################
         # locked wallet test
         self.stop_node(0)
+        self.nodes[1].node_encrypt_wallet("test")
         self.stop_node(2)
         self.stop_node(3)
-        self.nodes[1].node_encrypt_wallet("test")
 
-        self.nodes = self.start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir)
+        self.start_nodes()
         # This test is not meant to test fee estimation and we'd like
         # to be sure all txs are sent at a consistent desired feerate
         for node in self.nodes:
diff --git a/test/functional/getblocktemplate_longpoll.py b/test/functional/getblocktemplate_longpoll.py
index cca30e268..89768bd2f 100755
--- a/test/functional/getblocktemplate_longpoll.py
+++ b/test/functional/getblocktemplate_longpoll.py
@@ -23,10 +23,8 @@ class LongpollThread(threading.Thread):
         self.node.getblocktemplate({'longpollid':self.longpollid})
 
 class GetBlockTemplateLPTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
-        self.num_nodes = 4
-        self.setup_clean_chain = False
+    def set_test_params(self):
+        self.num_nodes = 2
 
     def run_test(self):
         self.log.info("Warning: this test will take about 70 seconds in the best case. Be patient.")
diff --git a/test/functional/getchaintips.py b/test/functional/getchaintips.py
index 15f96c565..21b67bfc6 100755
--- a/test/functional/getchaintips.py
+++ b/test/functional/getchaintips.py
@@ -14,13 +14,10 @@ from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
 from test_framework.util import assert_equal
 
 class GetChainTipsTest (BitcoinTestFramework):
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.num_nodes = 4
-        self.setup_clean_chain = False
 
     def run_test (self):
-
         tips = self.nodes[0].getchaintips ()
         assert_equal (len (tips), 1)
         assert_equal (tips[0]['branchlen'], 0)
diff --git a/test/functional/httpbasics.py b/test/functional/httpbasics.py
index 4b32e8d9c..c7682cb49 100755
--- a/test/functional/httpbasics.py
+++ b/test/functional/httpbasics.py
@@ -11,10 +11,8 @@ import http.client
 import urllib.parse
 
 class HTTPBasicsTest (BitcoinTestFramework):
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.num_nodes = 3
-        self.setup_clean_chain = False
 
     def setup_network(self):
         self.setup_nodes()
diff --git a/test/functional/import-rescan.py b/test/functional/import-rescan.py
index 13e1bdecd..cb5b65c68 100755
--- a/test/functional/import-rescan.py
+++ b/test/functional/import-rescan.py
@@ -111,8 +111,7 @@ TIMESTAMP_WINDOW = 2 * 60 * 60
 
 
 class ImportRescanTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.num_nodes = 2 + len(IMPORT_NODES)
 
     def setup_network(self):
@@ -121,7 +120,8 @@ class ImportRescanTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
             if import_node.prune:
                 extra_args[i] += ["-prune=1"]
 
-        self.nodes = self.start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir, extra_args)
+        self.add_nodes(self.num_nodes, extra_args)
+        self.start_nodes()
         for i in range(1, self.num_nodes):
             connect_nodes(self.nodes[i], 0)
 
diff --git a/test/functional/importmulti.py b/test/functional/importmulti.py
index 18a3df028..32f555c79 100755
--- a/test/functional/importmulti.py
+++ b/test/functional/importmulti.py
@@ -7,8 +7,7 @@ from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
 from test_framework.util import *
 
 class ImportMultiTest (BitcoinTestFramework):
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.num_nodes = 2
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
 
@@ -416,7 +415,7 @@ class ImportMultiTest (BitcoinTestFramework):
 
         # restart nodes to check for proper serialization/deserialization of watch only address
         self.stop_nodes()
-        self.nodes = self.start_nodes(2, self.options.tmpdir)
+        self.start_nodes()
         address_assert = self.nodes[1].validateaddress(watchonly_address)
         assert_equal(address_assert['iswatchonly'], True)
         assert_equal(address_assert['ismine'], False)
diff --git a/test/functional/importprunedfunds.py b/test/functional/importprunedfunds.py
index 4e88fc592..cb7001066 100755
--- a/test/functional/importprunedfunds.py
+++ b/test/functional/importprunedfunds.py
@@ -6,11 +6,8 @@
 from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
 from test_framework.util import *
 
-
 class ImportPrunedFundsTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 2
 
diff --git a/test/functional/invalidateblock.py b/test/functional/invalidateblock.py
index c499d57b9..dd3daf1e0 100755
--- a/test/functional/invalidateblock.py
+++ b/test/functional/invalidateblock.py
@@ -8,9 +8,7 @@ from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
 from test_framework.util import *
 
 class InvalidateTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 3
 
diff --git a/test/functional/invalidblockrequest.py b/test/functional/invalidblockrequest.py
index eabc0db8d..9f44b4492 100755
--- a/test/functional/invalidblockrequest.py
+++ b/test/functional/invalidblockrequest.py
@@ -23,9 +23,9 @@ 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__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.num_nodes = 1
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
 
     def run_test(self):
         test = TestManager(self, self.options.tmpdir)
diff --git a/test/functional/invalidtxrequest.py b/test/functional/invalidtxrequest.py
index a9ac231f0..a22bd8f8c 100755
--- a/test/functional/invalidtxrequest.py
+++ b/test/functional/invalidtxrequest.py
@@ -19,9 +19,9 @@ class InvalidTxRequestTest(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__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.num_nodes = 1
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
 
     def run_test(self):
         test = TestManager(self, self.options.tmpdir)
diff --git a/test/functional/keypool-topup.py b/test/functional/keypool-topup.py
index da29f697e..b87433a9c 100755
--- a/test/functional/keypool-topup.py
+++ b/test/functional/keypool-topup.py
@@ -20,8 +20,7 @@ from test_framework.util import (
 )
 
 class KeypoolRestoreTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 2
         self.extra_args = [['-usehd=0'], ['-usehd=1', '-keypool=100', '-keypoolmin=20']]
@@ -35,7 +34,7 @@ class KeypoolRestoreTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         self.stop_node(1)
 
         shutil.copyfile(self.tmpdir + "/node1/regtest/wallet.dat", self.tmpdir + "/wallet.bak")
-        self.nodes[1] = self.start_node(1, self.tmpdir, self.extra_args[1])
+        self.start_node(1, self.extra_args[1])
         connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes, 0, 1)
 
         self.log.info("Generate keys for wallet")
@@ -61,7 +60,7 @@ class KeypoolRestoreTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
         self.log.info("Verify keypool is restored and balance is correct")
 
-        self.nodes[1] = self.start_node(1, self.tmpdir, self.extra_args[1])
+        self.start_node(1, self.extra_args[1])
         connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes, 0, 1)
         self.sync_all()
 
diff --git a/test/functional/keypool.py b/test/functional/keypool.py
index 3e7bb0ee0..b823ca63b 100755
--- a/test/functional/keypool.py
+++ b/test/functional/keypool.py
@@ -8,6 +8,8 @@ from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
 from test_framework.util import *
 
 class KeyPoolTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
+    def set_test_params(self):
+        self.num_nodes = 1
 
     def run_test(self):
         nodes = self.nodes
@@ -19,7 +21,7 @@ class KeyPoolTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         # Encrypt wallet and wait to terminate
         nodes[0].node_encrypt_wallet('test')
         # Restart node 0
-        nodes[0] = self.start_node(0, self.options.tmpdir)
+        self.start_node(0)
         # Keep creating keys
         addr = nodes[0].getnewaddress()
         addr_data = nodes[0].validateaddress(addr)
@@ -78,10 +80,5 @@ class KeyPoolTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         assert_equal(wi['keypoolsize_hd_internal'], 100)
         assert_equal(wi['keypoolsize'], 100)
 
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
-        self.setup_clean_chain = False
-        self.num_nodes = 1
-
 if __name__ == '__main__':
     KeyPoolTest().main()
diff --git a/test/functional/listsinceblock.py b/test/functional/listsinceblock.py
index ce2d556ef..6f428388e 100755
--- a/test/functional/listsinceblock.py
+++ b/test/functional/listsinceblock.py
@@ -8,11 +8,9 @@ from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
 from test_framework.util import assert_equal
 
 class ListSinceBlockTest (BitcoinTestFramework):
-
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
-        self.setup_clean_chain = True
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.num_nodes = 4
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
 
     def run_test(self):
         self.nodes[2].generate(101)
diff --git a/test/functional/listtransactions.py b/test/functional/listtransactions.py
index f75a8e29c..e4522cc3b 100755
--- a/test/functional/listtransactions.py
+++ b/test/functional/listtransactions.py
@@ -16,15 +16,9 @@ def txFromHex(hexstring):
     return tx
 
 class ListTransactionsTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
-        self.num_nodes = 4
-        self.setup_clean_chain = False
-
-    def setup_nodes(self):
-        #This test requires mocktime
+    def set_test_params(self):
+        self.num_nodes = 2
         self.enable_mocktime()
-        self.nodes = self.start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir)
 
     def run_test(self):
         # Simple send, 0 to 1:
diff --git a/test/functional/maxuploadtarget.py b/test/functional/maxuploadtarget.py
index 66e5bd29e..1f402798e 100755
--- a/test/functional/maxuploadtarget.py
+++ b/test/functional/maxuploadtarget.py
@@ -31,8 +31,7 @@ class TestNode(NodeConnCB):
 
 class MaxUploadTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
  
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 1
         self.extra_args = [["-maxuploadtarget=800", "-blockmaxsize=999000"]]
@@ -147,7 +146,7 @@ class MaxUploadTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         #stop and start node 0 with 1MB maxuploadtarget, whitelist 127.0.0.1
         self.log.info("Restarting nodes with -whitelist=127.0.0.1")
         self.stop_node(0)
-        self.nodes[0] = self.start_node(0, self.options.tmpdir, ["-whitelist=127.0.0.1", "-maxuploadtarget=1", "-blockmaxsize=999000"])
+        self.start_node(0, ["-whitelist=127.0.0.1", "-maxuploadtarget=1", "-blockmaxsize=999000"])
 
         #recreate/reconnect a test node
         test_nodes = [TestNode()]
diff --git a/test/functional/mempool_limit.py b/test/functional/mempool_limit.py
index 2777291dd..e24dc5a46 100755
--- a/test/functional/mempool_limit.py
+++ b/test/functional/mempool_limit.py
@@ -8,9 +8,7 @@ from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
 from test_framework.util import *
 
 class MempoolLimitTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 1
         self.extra_args = [["-maxmempool=5", "-spendzeroconfchange=0"]]
diff --git a/test/functional/mempool_packages.py b/test/functional/mempool_packages.py
index 423d03eac..2b0988966 100755
--- a/test/functional/mempool_packages.py
+++ b/test/functional/mempool_packages.py
@@ -12,10 +12,8 @@ MAX_ANCESTORS = 25
 MAX_DESCENDANTS = 25
 
 class MempoolPackagesTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.num_nodes = 2
-        self.setup_clean_chain = False
         self.extra_args = [["-maxorphantx=1000"], ["-maxorphantx=1000", "-limitancestorcount=5"]]
 
     # Build a transaction that spends parent_txid:vout
diff --git a/test/functional/mempool_persist.py b/test/functional/mempool_persist.py
index 807edeb7a..01f65b137 100755
--- a/test/functional/mempool_persist.py
+++ b/test/functional/mempool_persist.py
@@ -36,12 +36,8 @@ from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
 from test_framework.util import *
 
 class MempoolPersistTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
-        # We need 3 nodes for this test. Node1 does not have a persistent mempool.
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.num_nodes = 3
-        self.setup_clean_chain = False
         self.extra_args = [[], ["-persistmempool=0"], []]
 
     def run_test(self):
@@ -63,9 +59,8 @@ class MempoolPersistTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
         self.log.debug("Stop-start node0 and node1. Verify that node0 has the transactions in its mempool and node1 does not.")
         self.stop_nodes()
-        self.nodes = []
-        self.nodes.append(self.start_node(0, self.options.tmpdir))
-        self.nodes.append(self.start_node(1, self.options.tmpdir))
+        self.start_node(0)
+        self.start_node(1)
         # Give bitcoind a second to reload the mempool
         time.sleep(1)
         wait_until(lambda: len(self.nodes[0].getrawmempool()) == 5)
@@ -73,16 +68,14 @@ class MempoolPersistTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
         self.log.debug("Stop-start node0 with -persistmempool=0. Verify that it doesn't load its mempool.dat file.")
         self.stop_nodes()
-        self.nodes = []
-        self.nodes.append(self.start_node(0, self.options.tmpdir, ["-persistmempool=0"]))
+        self.start_node(0, extra_args=["-persistmempool=0"])
         # Give bitcoind a second to reload the mempool
         time.sleep(1)
         assert_equal(len(self.nodes[0].getrawmempool()), 0)
 
         self.log.debug("Stop-start node0. Verify that it has the transactions in its mempool.")
         self.stop_nodes()
-        self.nodes = []
-        self.nodes.append(self.start_node(0, self.options.tmpdir))
+        self.start_node(0)
         wait_until(lambda: len(self.nodes[0].getrawmempool()) == 5)
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
diff --git a/test/functional/mempool_reorg.py b/test/functional/mempool_reorg.py
index 937bf4bab..7dfddd323 100755
--- a/test/functional/mempool_reorg.py
+++ b/test/functional/mempool_reorg.py
@@ -13,10 +13,8 @@ from test_framework.util import *
 
 # Create one-input, one-output, no-fee transaction:
 class MempoolCoinbaseTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.num_nodes = 2
-        self.setup_clean_chain = False
         self.extra_args = [["-checkmempool"]] * 2
 
     alert_filename = None  # Set by setup_network
diff --git a/test/functional/mempool_resurrect_test.py b/test/functional/mempool_resurrect_test.py
index a2f6228df..1263c9306 100755
--- a/test/functional/mempool_resurrect_test.py
+++ b/test/functional/mempool_resurrect_test.py
@@ -9,12 +9,8 @@ from test_framework.util import *
 
 # Create one-input, one-output, no-fee transaction:
 class MempoolCoinbaseTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.num_nodes = 1
-        self.setup_clean_chain = False
-        # Just need one node for this test
         self.extra_args = [["-checkmempool"]]
 
     def run_test(self):
diff --git a/test/functional/mempool_spendcoinbase.py b/test/functional/mempool_spendcoinbase.py
index 277ea45ad..58ccd3e37 100755
--- a/test/functional/mempool_spendcoinbase.py
+++ b/test/functional/mempool_spendcoinbase.py
@@ -17,11 +17,8 @@ from test_framework.util import *
 
 # Create one-input, one-output, no-fee transaction:
 class MempoolSpendCoinbaseTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.num_nodes = 1
-        self.setup_clean_chain = False
         self.extra_args = [["-checkmempool"]]
 
     def run_test(self):
diff --git a/test/functional/merkle_blocks.py b/test/functional/merkle_blocks.py
index bcc65c840..a58334b2a 100755
--- a/test/functional/merkle_blocks.py
+++ b/test/functional/merkle_blocks.py
@@ -8,11 +8,9 @@ from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
 from test_framework.util import *
 
 class MerkleBlockTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
-        self.setup_clean_chain = True
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.num_nodes = 4
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
         # Nodes 0/1 are "wallet" nodes, Nodes 2/3 are used for testing
         self.extra_args = [[], [], [], ["-txindex"]]
 
diff --git a/test/functional/mining.py b/test/functional/mining.py
index f3d1f3e90..93f983889 100755
--- a/test/functional/mining.py
+++ b/test/functional/mining.py
@@ -27,9 +27,7 @@ def assert_template(node, block, expect, rehash=True):
     assert_equal(rsp, expect)
 
 class MiningTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.num_nodes = 2
         self.setup_clean_chain = False
 
diff --git a/test/functional/multi_rpc.py b/test/functional/multi_rpc.py
index a30e15ace..a2b346f27 100755
--- a/test/functional/multi_rpc.py
+++ b/test/functional/multi_rpc.py
@@ -12,10 +12,7 @@ import http.client
 import urllib.parse
 
 class HTTPBasicsTest (BitcoinTestFramework):
-
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
-        self.setup_clean_chain = False
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.num_nodes = 2
 
     def setup_chain(self):
diff --git a/test/functional/multiwallet.py b/test/functional/multiwallet.py
index fc6e8e325..e5453e9aa 100755
--- a/test/functional/multiwallet.py
+++ b/test/functional/multiwallet.py
@@ -12,9 +12,7 @@ from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
 from test_framework.util import assert_equal, assert_raises_jsonrpc
 
 class MultiWalletTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 1
         self.extra_args = [['-wallet=w1', '-wallet=w2', '-wallet=w3']]
@@ -23,17 +21,17 @@ class MultiWalletTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         self.stop_node(0)
 
         # should not initialize if there are duplicate wallets
-        self.assert_start_raises_init_error(0, self.options.tmpdir, ['-wallet=w1', '-wallet=w1'], 'Error loading wallet w1. Duplicate -wallet filename specified.')
+        self.assert_start_raises_init_error(0, ['-wallet=w1', '-wallet=w1'], 'Error loading wallet w1. Duplicate -wallet filename specified.')
 
         # should not initialize if wallet file is a directory
         os.mkdir(os.path.join(self.options.tmpdir, 'node0', 'regtest', 'w11'))
-        self.assert_start_raises_init_error(0, self.options.tmpdir, ['-wallet=w11'], 'Error loading wallet w11. -wallet filename must be a regular file.')
+        self.assert_start_raises_init_error(0, ['-wallet=w11'], 'Error loading wallet w11. -wallet filename must be a regular file.')
 
         # should not initialize if wallet file is a symlink
         os.symlink(os.path.join(self.options.tmpdir, 'node0', 'regtest', 'w1'), os.path.join(self.options.tmpdir, 'node0', 'regtest', 'w12'))
-        self.assert_start_raises_init_error(0, self.options.tmpdir, ['-wallet=w12'], 'Error loading wallet w12. -wallet filename must be a regular file.')
+        self.assert_start_raises_init_error(0, ['-wallet=w12'], 'Error loading wallet w12. -wallet filename must be a regular file.')
 
-        self.nodes[0] = self.start_node(0, self.options.tmpdir, self.extra_args[0])
+        self.start_node(0, self.extra_args[0])
 
         w1 = self.nodes[0].get_wallet_rpc("w1")
         w2 = self.nodes[0].get_wallet_rpc("w2")
diff --git a/test/functional/net.py b/test/functional/net.py
index 1e63d3803..830aeb45b 100755
--- a/test/functional/net.py
+++ b/test/functional/net.py
@@ -17,10 +17,8 @@ from test_framework.util import (
     p2p_port,
 )
 
-
 class NetTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 2
 
diff --git a/test/functional/nulldummy.py b/test/functional/nulldummy.py
index 9717add27..60d0d876d 100755
--- a/test/functional/nulldummy.py
+++ b/test/functional/nulldummy.py
@@ -37,8 +37,7 @@ def trueDummy(tx):
 
 class NULLDUMMYTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.num_nodes = 1
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.extra_args = [['-whitelist=127.0.0.1', '-walletprematurewitness']]
diff --git a/test/functional/p2p-acceptblock.py b/test/functional/p2p-acceptblock.py
index 322cb767d..293bc0553 100755
--- a/test/functional/p2p-acceptblock.py
+++ b/test/functional/p2p-acceptblock.py
@@ -60,8 +60,7 @@ class AcceptBlockTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
                           default=os.getenv("BITCOIND", "bitcoind"),
                           help="bitcoind binary to test")
 
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 2
         self.extra_args = [[], ["-whitelist=127.0.0.1"]]
diff --git a/test/functional/p2p-compactblocks.py b/test/functional/p2p-compactblocks.py
index 91c0c406f..94513d3f4 100755
--- a/test/functional/p2p-compactblocks.py
+++ b/test/functional/p2p-compactblocks.py
@@ -89,8 +89,7 @@ class TestNode(NodeConnCB):
         wait_until(lambda: not self.connected, timeout=timeout, lock=mininode_lock)
 
 class CompactBlocksTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         # Node0 = pre-segwit, node1 = segwit-aware
         self.num_nodes = 2
diff --git a/test/functional/p2p-feefilter.py b/test/functional/p2p-feefilter.py
index dbccb633a..8c92365ce 100755
--- a/test/functional/p2p-feefilter.py
+++ b/test/functional/p2p-feefilter.py
@@ -37,11 +37,8 @@ class TestNode(NodeConnCB):
             self.txinvs = []
 
 class FeeFilterTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.num_nodes = 2
-        self.setup_clean_chain = False
 
     def run_test(self):
         node1 = self.nodes[1]
diff --git a/test/functional/p2p-fullblocktest.py b/test/functional/p2p-fullblocktest.py
index 92af0fefd..1d969fc7c 100755
--- a/test/functional/p2p-fullblocktest.py
+++ b/test/functional/p2p-fullblocktest.py
@@ -49,12 +49,11 @@ class CBrokenBlock(CBlock):
         return r
 
 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__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.num_nodes = 1
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.block_heights = {}
         self.coinbase_key = CECKey()
         self.coinbase_key.set_secretbytes(b"horsebattery")
diff --git a/test/functional/p2p-leaktests.py b/test/functional/p2p-leaktests.py
index f0d4d9a8b..f27086c97 100755
--- a/test/functional/p2p-leaktests.py
+++ b/test/functional/p2p-leaktests.py
@@ -92,8 +92,7 @@ class CNodeNoVerackIdle(CLazyNode):
         conn.send_message(msg_getaddr())
 
 class P2PLeakTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.num_nodes = 1
         self.extra_args = [['-banscore='+str(banscore)]]
 
diff --git a/test/functional/p2p-mempool.py b/test/functional/p2p-mempool.py
index 34ef249ee..40fcde260 100755
--- a/test/functional/p2p-mempool.py
+++ b/test/functional/p2p-mempool.py
@@ -13,9 +13,7 @@ from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
 from test_framework.util import *
 
 class P2PMempoolTests(BitcoinTestFramework):
-
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 1
         self.extra_args = [["-peerbloomfilters=0"]]
diff --git a/test/functional/p2p-segwit.py b/test/functional/p2p-segwit.py
index de69cba39..943bc2c6d 100755
--- a/test/functional/p2p-segwit.py
+++ b/test/functional/p2p-segwit.py
@@ -32,8 +32,8 @@ def get_virtual_size(witness_block):
     return vsize
 
 class TestNode(NodeConnCB):
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
+        self.num_nodes = 3
         self.getdataset = set()
 
     def on_getdata(self, conn, message):
@@ -108,9 +108,7 @@ def sign_P2PK_witness_input(script, txTo, inIdx, hashtype, value, key):
 
 
 class SegWitTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 3
         self.extra_args = [["-whitelist=127.0.0.1"], ["-whitelist=127.0.0.1", "-acceptnonstdtxn=0"], ["-whitelist=127.0.0.1", "-vbparams=segwit:0:0"]]
@@ -1495,7 +1493,7 @@ class SegWitTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
         # Restart with the new binary
         self.stop_node(node_id)
-        self.nodes[node_id] = self.start_node(node_id, self.options.tmpdir)
+        self.start_node(node_id, extra_args=[])
         connect_nodes(self.nodes[0], node_id)
 
         sync_blocks(self.nodes)
diff --git a/test/functional/p2p-timeouts.py b/test/functional/p2p-timeouts.py
index c3b29c215..51d4769ef 100755
--- a/test/functional/p2p-timeouts.py
+++ b/test/functional/p2p-timeouts.py
@@ -33,8 +33,7 @@ class TestNode(NodeConnCB):
         pass
 
 class TimeoutsTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 1
 
diff --git a/test/functional/p2p-versionbits-warning.py b/test/functional/p2p-versionbits-warning.py
index df7e8ce5c..5dfac6dd1 100755
--- a/test/functional/p2p-versionbits-warning.py
+++ b/test/functional/p2p-versionbits-warning.py
@@ -28,8 +28,7 @@ class TestNode(NodeConnCB):
         pass
 
 class VersionBitsWarningTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 1
 
@@ -112,7 +111,7 @@ class VersionBitsWarningTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         # Empty out the alert file
         with open(self.alert_filename, 'w', encoding='utf8') as _:
             pass
-        self.nodes = self.start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir, self.extra_args)
+        self.start_nodes()
 
         # Connecting one block should be enough to generate an error.
         self.nodes[0].generate(1)
@@ -123,7 +122,7 @@ class VersionBitsWarningTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         self.test_versionbits_in_alert_file()
 
         # Test framework expects the node to still be running...
-        self.nodes = self.start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir, self.extra_args)
+        self.start_nodes()
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
     VersionBitsWarningTest().main()
diff --git a/test/functional/preciousblock.py b/test/functional/preciousblock.py
index a69b8fb20..1466f901c 100755
--- a/test/functional/preciousblock.py
+++ b/test/functional/preciousblock.py
@@ -35,8 +35,7 @@ def node_sync_via_rpc(nodes):
             unidirectional_node_sync_via_rpc(node_src, node_dest)
 
 class PreciousTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 3
 
diff --git a/test/functional/prioritise_transaction.py b/test/functional/prioritise_transaction.py
index 4fc03d254..7ad368acd 100755
--- a/test/functional/prioritise_transaction.py
+++ b/test/functional/prioritise_transaction.py
@@ -9,9 +9,7 @@ from test_framework.util import *
 from test_framework.mininode import COIN, MAX_BLOCK_BASE_SIZE
 
 class PrioritiseTransactionTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 2
         self.extra_args = [["-printpriority=1"], ["-printpriority=1"]]
diff --git a/test/functional/proxy_test.py b/test/functional/proxy_test.py
index ae6f843dd..81b99d1bf 100755
--- a/test/functional/proxy_test.py
+++ b/test/functional/proxy_test.py
@@ -41,12 +41,9 @@ from test_framework.netutil import test_ipv6_local
 
 RANGE_BEGIN = PORT_MIN + 2 * PORT_RANGE  # Start after p2p and rpc ports
 
-
 class ProxyTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.num_nodes = 4
-        self.setup_clean_chain = False
 
     def setup_nodes(self):
         self.have_ipv6 = test_ipv6_local()
@@ -89,7 +86,8 @@ class ProxyTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
             ]
         if self.have_ipv6:
             args[3] = ['-listen', '-proxy=[%s]:%i' % (self.conf3.addr),'-proxyrandomize=0', '-noonion']
-        self.nodes = self.start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir, extra_args=args)
+        self.add_nodes(self.num_nodes, extra_args=args)
+        self.start_nodes()
 
     def node_test(self, node, proxies, auth, test_onion=True):
         rv = []
diff --git a/test/functional/pruning.py b/test/functional/pruning.py
index 3e00a34ac..f53fe8288 100755
--- a/test/functional/pruning.py
+++ b/test/functional/pruning.py
@@ -26,9 +26,7 @@ def calc_usage(blockdir):
     return sum(os.path.getsize(blockdir+f) for f in os.listdir(blockdir) if os.path.isfile(blockdir+f)) / (1024. * 1024.)
 
 class PruneTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 6
 
@@ -56,6 +54,10 @@ class PruneTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         connect_nodes(self.nodes[0], 4)
         sync_blocks(self.nodes[0:5])
 
+    def setup_nodes(self):
+        self.add_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.extra_args, timewait=900)
+        self.start_nodes()
+
     def create_big_chain(self):
         # Start by creating some coinbases we can spend later
         self.nodes[1].generate(200)
@@ -98,7 +100,7 @@ class PruneTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
             # Node 2 stays connected, so it hears about the stale blocks and then reorg's when node0 reconnects
             # Stopping node 0 also clears its mempool, so it doesn't have node1's transactions to accidentally mine
             self.stop_node(0)
-            self.nodes[0]=self.start_node(0, self.options.tmpdir, self.full_node_default_args, timewait=900)
+            self.start_node(0, extra_args=self.full_node_default_args)
             # Mine 24 blocks in node 1
             for i in range(24):
                 if j == 0:
@@ -126,7 +128,7 @@ class PruneTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         # Reboot node 1 to clear its mempool (hopefully make the invalidate faster)
         # Lower the block max size so we don't keep mining all our big mempool transactions (from disconnected blocks)
         self.stop_node(1)
-        self.nodes[1] = self.start_node(1, self.options.tmpdir, ["-maxreceivebuffer=20000","-blockmaxsize=5000", "-checkblocks=5", "-disablesafemode"], timewait=900)
+        self.start_node(1, extra_args=["-maxreceivebuffer=20000","-blockmaxsize=5000", "-checkblocks=5", "-disablesafemode"])
 
         height = self.nodes[1].getblockcount()
         self.log.info("Current block height: %d" % height)
@@ -149,7 +151,7 @@ class PruneTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
         # Reboot node1 to clear those giant tx's from mempool
         self.stop_node(1)
-        self.nodes[1] = self.start_node(1, self.options.tmpdir, ["-maxreceivebuffer=20000","-blockmaxsize=5000", "-checkblocks=5", "-disablesafemode"], timewait=900)
+        self.start_node(1, extra_args=["-maxreceivebuffer=20000","-blockmaxsize=5000", "-checkblocks=5", "-disablesafemode"])
 
         self.log.info("Generating new longer chain of 300 more blocks")
         self.nodes[1].generate(300)
@@ -227,13 +229,15 @@ class PruneTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
     def manual_test(self, node_number, use_timestamp):
         # at this point, node has 995 blocks and has not yet run in prune mode
-        node = self.nodes[node_number] = self.start_node(node_number, self.options.tmpdir, timewait=900)
+        self.start_node(node_number)
+        node = self.nodes[node_number]
         assert_equal(node.getblockcount(), 995)
         assert_raises_jsonrpc(-1, "not in prune mode", node.pruneblockchain, 500)
-        self.stop_node(node_number)
 
         # now re-start in manual pruning mode
-        node = self.nodes[node_number] = self.start_node(node_number, self.options.tmpdir, ["-prune=1"], timewait=900)
+        self.stop_node(node_number)
+        self.start_node(node_number, extra_args=["-prune=1"])
+        node = self.nodes[node_number]
         assert_equal(node.getblockcount(), 995)
 
         def height(index):
@@ -307,7 +311,7 @@ class PruneTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
         # stop node, start back up with auto-prune at 550MB, make sure still runs
         self.stop_node(node_number)
-        self.nodes[node_number] = self.start_node(node_number, self.options.tmpdir, ["-prune=550"], timewait=900)
+        self.start_node(node_number, extra_args=["-prune=550"])
 
         self.log.info("Success")
 
@@ -315,7 +319,7 @@ class PruneTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         # check that the pruning node's wallet is still in good shape
         self.log.info("Stop and start pruning node to trigger wallet rescan")
         self.stop_node(2)
-        self.nodes[2] = self.start_node(2, self.options.tmpdir, ["-prune=550"])
+        self.start_node(2, extra_args=["-prune=550"])
         self.log.info("Success")
 
         # check that wallet loads successfully when restarting a pruned node after IBD.
@@ -325,7 +329,7 @@ class PruneTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         nds = [self.nodes[0], self.nodes[5]]
         sync_blocks(nds, wait=5, timeout=300)
         self.stop_node(5) #stop and start to trigger rescan
-        self.nodes[5] = self.start_node(5, self.options.tmpdir, ["-prune=550"])
+        self.start_node(5, extra_args=["-prune=550"])
         self.log.info("Success")
 
     def run_test(self):
diff --git a/test/functional/rawtransactions.py b/test/functional/rawtransactions.py
index 847553097..d7255daa0 100755
--- a/test/functional/rawtransactions.py
+++ b/test/functional/rawtransactions.py
@@ -17,9 +17,7 @@ from test_framework.util import *
 
 # Create one-input, one-output, no-fee transaction:
 class RawTransactionsTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 3
 
diff --git a/test/functional/receivedby.py b/test/functional/receivedby.py
index 19d99c9c9..db6fc86b8 100755
--- a/test/functional/receivedby.py
+++ b/test/functional/receivedby.py
@@ -23,16 +23,9 @@ def get_sub_array_from_array(object_array, to_match):
     return []
 
 class ReceivedByTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
-        self.num_nodes = 4
-        self.setup_clean_chain = False
-
-    def setup_nodes(self):
-        #This test requires mocktime
+    def set_test_params(self):
+        self.num_nodes = 2
         self.enable_mocktime()
-        self.nodes = self.start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir)
 
     def run_test(self):
         '''
diff --git a/test/functional/reindex.py b/test/functional/reindex.py
index b446baa04..1f684a1af 100755
--- a/test/functional/reindex.py
+++ b/test/functional/reindex.py
@@ -15,8 +15,7 @@ import time
 
 class ReindexTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 1
 
@@ -25,7 +24,7 @@ class ReindexTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         blockcount = self.nodes[0].getblockcount()
         self.stop_nodes()
         extra_args = [["-reindex-chainstate" if justchainstate else "-reindex", "-checkblockindex=1"]]
-        self.nodes = self.start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir, extra_args)
+        self.start_nodes(extra_args)
         while self.nodes[0].getblockcount() < blockcount:
             time.sleep(0.1)
         assert_equal(self.nodes[0].getblockcount(), blockcount)
diff --git a/test/functional/replace-by-fee.py b/test/functional/replace-by-fee.py
index 4f33bb58b..1d6494fe4 100755
--- a/test/functional/replace-by-fee.py
+++ b/test/functional/replace-by-fee.py
@@ -61,10 +61,8 @@ def make_utxo(node, amount, confirmed=True, scriptPubKey=CScript([1])):
 
 class ReplaceByFeeTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.num_nodes = 1
-        self.setup_clean_chain = False
         self.extra_args= [["-maxorphantx=1000",
                            "-whitelist=127.0.0.1",
                            "-limitancestorcount=50",
diff --git a/test/functional/resendwallettransactions.py b/test/functional/resendwallettransactions.py
index 5059aa106..d6ba59139 100755
--- a/test/functional/resendwallettransactions.py
+++ b/test/functional/resendwallettransactions.py
@@ -8,11 +8,9 @@ from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
 from test_framework.util import assert_equal, assert_raises_jsonrpc
 
 class ResendWalletTransactionsTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
-        self.extra_args = [['--walletbroadcast=false']]
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.num_nodes = 1
+        self.extra_args = [['--walletbroadcast=false']]
 
     def run_test(self):
         # Should raise RPC_WALLET_ERROR (-4) if walletbroadcast is disabled.
@@ -20,7 +18,7 @@ class ResendWalletTransactionsTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
         # Should return an empty array if there aren't unconfirmed wallet transactions.
         self.stop_node(0)
-        self.nodes[0] = self.start_node(0, self.options.tmpdir)
+        self.start_node(0, extra_args=[])
         assert_equal(self.nodes[0].resendwallettransactions(), [])
 
         # Should return an array with the unconfirmed wallet transaction.
diff --git a/test/functional/rest.py b/test/functional/rest.py
index a69dbb501..437111a4d 100755
--- a/test/functional/rest.py
+++ b/test/functional/rest.py
@@ -43,8 +43,7 @@ def http_post_call(host, port, path, requestdata = '', response_object = 0):
 class RESTTest (BitcoinTestFramework):
     FORMAT_SEPARATOR = "."
 
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 3
 
diff --git a/test/functional/rpcbind_test.py b/test/functional/rpcbind_test.py
index 20808207b..0cf64beeb 100755
--- a/test/functional/rpcbind_test.py
+++ b/test/functional/rpcbind_test.py
@@ -11,19 +11,13 @@ from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework, SkipTest
 from test_framework.util import *
 from test_framework.netutil import *
 
-
 class RPCBindTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 1
 
     def setup_network(self):
-        pass
-
-    def setup_nodes(self):
-        pass
+        self.add_nodes(self.num_nodes, None)
 
     def run_bind_test(self, allow_ips, connect_to, addresses, expected):
         '''
@@ -31,12 +25,14 @@ class RPCBindTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         then try to connect, and check if the set of bound addresses
         matches the expected set.
         '''
+        self.log.info("Bind test for %s" % str(addresses))
         expected = [(addr_to_hex(addr), port) for (addr, port) in expected]
         base_args = ['-disablewallet', '-nolisten']
         if allow_ips:
             base_args += ['-rpcallowip=' + x for x in allow_ips]
         binds = ['-rpcbind='+addr for addr in addresses]
-        self.nodes = self.start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir, [base_args + binds], connect_to)
+        self.nodes[0].rpchost = connect_to
+        self.start_node(0, base_args + binds)
         pid = self.nodes[0].process.pid
         assert_equal(set(get_bind_addrs(pid)), set(expected))
         self.stop_nodes()
@@ -46,8 +42,10 @@ class RPCBindTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         Start a node with rpcallow IP, and request getnetworkinfo
         at a non-localhost IP.
         '''
+        self.log.info("Allow IP test for %s:%d" % (rpchost, rpcport))
         base_args = ['-disablewallet', '-nolisten'] + ['-rpcallowip='+x for x in allow_ips]
-        self.nodes = self.start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir, [base_args])
+        self.nodes[0].rpchost = None
+        self.start_nodes([base_args])
         # connect to node through non-loopback interface
         node = get_rpc_proxy(rpc_url(get_datadir_path(self.options.tmpdir, 0), 0, "%s:%d" % (rpchost, rpcport)), 0, coveragedir=self.options.coveragedir)
         node.getnetworkinfo()
diff --git a/test/functional/rpcnamedargs.py b/test/functional/rpcnamedargs.py
index 3b286000a..da61cc66e 100755
--- a/test/functional/rpcnamedargs.py
+++ b/test/functional/rpcnamedargs.py
@@ -10,15 +10,8 @@ from test_framework.util import (
     assert_raises_jsonrpc,
 )
 
-
 class NamedArgumentTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-    """
-    Test named arguments on RPC calls.
-    """
-
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
-        self.setup_clean_chain = False
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.num_nodes = 1
 
     def run_test(self):
diff --git a/test/functional/segwit.py b/test/functional/segwit.py
index 7bcb39301..609c592ed 100755
--- a/test/functional/segwit.py
+++ b/test/functional/segwit.py
@@ -74,9 +74,7 @@ def find_unspent(node, min_value):
             return utxo
 
 class SegWitTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 3
         self.extra_args = [["-walletprematurewitness", "-rpcserialversion=0"],
diff --git a/test/functional/sendheaders.py b/test/functional/sendheaders.py
index 6451b097c..fe577dc20 100755
--- a/test/functional/sendheaders.py
+++ b/test/functional/sendheaders.py
@@ -174,8 +174,7 @@ class TestNode(NodeConnCB):
         self.send_message(getblocks_message)
 
 class SendHeadersTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 2
 
diff --git a/test/functional/signmessages.py b/test/functional/signmessages.py
index 42f6a9daa..5fdfeceb7 100755
--- a/test/functional/signmessages.py
+++ b/test/functional/signmessages.py
@@ -7,9 +7,7 @@
 from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
 
 class SignMessagesTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 1
 
diff --git a/test/functional/signrawtransactions.py b/test/functional/signrawtransactions.py
index 415727268..b47ef9395 100755
--- a/test/functional/signrawtransactions.py
+++ b/test/functional/signrawtransactions.py
@@ -9,8 +9,7 @@ from test_framework.util import *
 
 
 class SignRawTransactionsTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 1
 
diff --git a/test/functional/smartfees.py b/test/functional/smartfees.py
index bc42a319d..76632fc57 100755
--- a/test/functional/smartfees.py
+++ b/test/functional/smartfees.py
@@ -141,11 +141,8 @@ def check_estimates(node, fees_seen, max_invalid, print_estimates = True):
 
 
 class EstimateFeeTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.num_nodes = 3
-        self.setup_clean_chain = False
 
     def setup_network(self):
         """
@@ -153,57 +150,16 @@ class EstimateFeeTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         But first we need to use one node to create a lot of outputs
         which we will use to generate our transactions.
         """
-        self.nodes = []
+        self.add_nodes(3, extra_args=[["-maxorphantx=1000", "-whitelist=127.0.0.1"],
+                                      ["-blockmaxsize=17000", "-maxorphantx=1000"],
+                                      ["-blockmaxsize=8000", "-maxorphantx=1000"]])
         # Use node0 to mine blocks for input splitting
-        self.nodes.append(self.start_node(0, self.options.tmpdir, ["-maxorphantx=1000",
-                                                              "-whitelist=127.0.0.1"]))
-
-        self.log.info("This test is time consuming, please be patient")
-        self.log.info("Splitting inputs so we can generate tx's")
-        self.txouts = []
-        self.txouts2 = []
-        # Split a coinbase into two transaction puzzle outputs
-        split_inputs(self.nodes[0], self.nodes[0].listunspent(0), self.txouts, True)
-
-        # Mine
-        while (len(self.nodes[0].getrawmempool()) > 0):
-            self.nodes[0].generate(1)
-
-        # Repeatedly split those 2 outputs, doubling twice for each rep
-        # Use txouts to monitor the available utxo, since these won't be tracked in wallet
-        reps = 0
-        while (reps < 5):
-            #Double txouts to txouts2
-            while (len(self.txouts)>0):
-                split_inputs(self.nodes[0], self.txouts, self.txouts2)
-            while (len(self.nodes[0].getrawmempool()) > 0):
-                self.nodes[0].generate(1)
-            #Double txouts2 to txouts
-            while (len(self.txouts2)>0):
-                split_inputs(self.nodes[0], self.txouts2, self.txouts)
-            while (len(self.nodes[0].getrawmempool()) > 0):
-                self.nodes[0].generate(1)
-            reps += 1
-        self.log.info("Finished splitting")
-
-        # Now we can connect the other nodes, didn't want to connect them earlier
-        # so the estimates would not be affected by the splitting transactions
         # Node1 mines small blocks but that are bigger than the expected transaction rate.
         # NOTE: the CreateNewBlock code starts counting block size at 1,000 bytes,
         # (17k is room enough for 110 or so transactions)
-        self.nodes.append(self.start_node(1, self.options.tmpdir,
-                                     ["-blockmaxsize=17000", "-maxorphantx=1000"]))
-        connect_nodes(self.nodes[1], 0)
-
         # Node2 is a stingy miner, that
         # produces too small blocks (room for only 55 or so transactions)
-        node2args = ["-blockmaxsize=8000", "-maxorphantx=1000"]
 
-        self.nodes.append(self.start_node(2, self.options.tmpdir, node2args))
-        connect_nodes(self.nodes[0], 2)
-        connect_nodes(self.nodes[2], 1)
-
-        self.sync_all()
 
     def transact_and_mine(self, numblocks, mining_node):
         min_fee = Decimal("0.00001")
@@ -232,9 +188,51 @@ class EstimateFeeTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
             self.memutxo = newmem
 
     def run_test(self):
+        self.log.info("This test is time consuming, please be patient")
+        self.log.info("Splitting inputs so we can generate tx's")
+
         # Make log handler available to helper functions
         global log
         log = self.log
+
+        # Start node0
+        self.start_node(0)
+        self.txouts = []
+        self.txouts2 = []
+        # Split a coinbase into two transaction puzzle outputs
+        split_inputs(self.nodes[0], self.nodes[0].listunspent(0), self.txouts, True)
+
+        # Mine
+        while (len(self.nodes[0].getrawmempool()) > 0):
+            self.nodes[0].generate(1)
+
+        # Repeatedly split those 2 outputs, doubling twice for each rep
+        # Use txouts to monitor the available utxo, since these won't be tracked in wallet
+        reps = 0
+        while (reps < 5):
+            #Double txouts to txouts2
+            while (len(self.txouts)>0):
+                split_inputs(self.nodes[0], self.txouts, self.txouts2)
+            while (len(self.nodes[0].getrawmempool()) > 0):
+                self.nodes[0].generate(1)
+            #Double txouts2 to txouts
+            while (len(self.txouts2)>0):
+                split_inputs(self.nodes[0], self.txouts2, self.txouts)
+            while (len(self.nodes[0].getrawmempool()) > 0):
+                self.nodes[0].generate(1)
+            reps += 1
+        self.log.info("Finished splitting")
+
+        # Now we can connect the other nodes, didn't want to connect them earlier
+        # so the estimates would not be affected by the splitting transactions
+        self.start_node(1)
+        self.start_node(2)
+        connect_nodes(self.nodes[1], 0)
+        connect_nodes(self.nodes[0], 2)
+        connect_nodes(self.nodes[2], 1)
+
+        self.sync_all()
+
         self.fees_per_kb = []
         self.memutxo = []
         self.confutxo = self.txouts # Start with the set of confirmed txouts after splitting
diff --git a/test/functional/test_framework/test_framework.py b/test/functional/test_framework/test_framework.py
index 7903bb004..103651f17 100755
--- a/test/functional/test_framework/test_framework.py
+++ b/test/functional/test_framework/test_framework.py
@@ -48,57 +48,30 @@ BITCOIND_PROC_WAIT_TIMEOUT = 60
 class BitcoinTestFramework(object):
     """Base class for a bitcoin test script.
 
-    Individual bitcoin test scripts should subclass this class and override the following methods:
+    Individual bitcoin test scripts should subclass this class and override the set_test_params() and run_test() methods.
+
+    Individual tests can also override the following methods to customize the test setup:
 
-    - __init__()
     - add_options()
     - setup_chain()
     - setup_network()
-    - run_test()
+    - setup_nodes()
 
-    The main() method should not be overridden.
+    The __init__() and main() methods should not be overridden.
 
     This class also contains various public and private helper methods."""
 
-    # Methods to override in subclass test scripts.
     def __init__(self):
-        self.num_nodes = 4
+        """Sets test framework defaults. Do not override this method. Instead, override the set_test_params() method"""
         self.setup_clean_chain = False
         self.nodes = []
         self.mocktime = 0
+        self.set_test_params()
 
-    def add_options(self, parser):
-        pass
-
-    def setup_chain(self):
-        self.log.info("Initializing test directory " + self.options.tmpdir)
-        if self.setup_clean_chain:
-            self._initialize_chain_clean(self.options.tmpdir, self.num_nodes)
-        else:
-            self._initialize_chain(self.options.tmpdir, self.num_nodes, self.options.cachedir)
-
-    def setup_network(self):
-        self.setup_nodes()
-
-        # Connect the nodes as a "chain".  This allows us
-        # to split the network between nodes 1 and 2 to get
-        # two halves that can work on competing chains.
-        for i in range(self.num_nodes - 1):
-            connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes, i, i + 1)
-        self.sync_all()
-
-    def setup_nodes(self):
-        extra_args = None
-        if hasattr(self, "extra_args"):
-            extra_args = self.extra_args
-        self.nodes = self.start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir, extra_args)
-
-    def run_test(self):
-        raise NotImplementedError
-
-    # Main function. This should not be overridden by the subclass test scripts.
+        assert hasattr(self, "num_nodes"), "Test must set self.num_nodes in set_test_params()"
 
     def main(self):
+        """Main function. This should not be overridden by the subclass test scripts."""
 
         parser = optparse.OptionParser(usage="%prog [options]")
         parser.add_option("--nocleanup", dest="nocleanup", default=False, action="store_true",
@@ -202,26 +175,50 @@ class BitcoinTestFramework(object):
             logging.shutdown()
             sys.exit(TEST_EXIT_FAILED)
 
+    # Methods to override in subclass test scripts.
+    def set_test_params(self):
+        """Tests must this method to change default values for number of nodes, topology, etc"""
+        raise NotImplementedError
+
+    def add_options(self, parser):
+        """Override this method to add command-line options to the test"""
+        pass
+
+    def setup_chain(self):
+        """Override this method to customize blockchain setup"""
+        self.log.info("Initializing test directory " + self.options.tmpdir)
+        if self.setup_clean_chain:
+            self._initialize_chain_clean()
+        else:
+            self._initialize_chain()
+
+    def setup_network(self):
+        """Override this method to customize test network topology"""
+        self.setup_nodes()
+
+        # Connect the nodes as a "chain".  This allows us
+        # to split the network between nodes 1 and 2 to get
+        # two halves that can work on competing chains.
+        for i in range(self.num_nodes - 1):
+            connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes, i, i + 1)
+        self.sync_all()
+
+    def setup_nodes(self):
+        """Override this method to customize test node setup"""
+        extra_args = None
+        if hasattr(self, "extra_args"):
+            extra_args = self.extra_args
+        self.add_nodes(self.num_nodes, extra_args)
+        self.start_nodes()
+
+    def run_test(self):
+        """Tests must override this method to define test logic"""
+        raise NotImplementedError
+
     # Public helper methods. These can be accessed by the subclass test scripts.
 
-    def start_node(self, i, dirname, extra_args=None, rpchost=None, timewait=None, binary=None, stderr=None):
-        """Start a bitcoind and return RPC connection to it"""
-
-        if extra_args is None:
-            extra_args = []
-        if binary is None:
-            binary = os.getenv("BITCOIND", "bitcoind")
-        node = TestNode(i, dirname, extra_args, rpchost, timewait, binary, stderr, self.mocktime, coverage_dir=self.options.coveragedir)
-        node.start()
-        node.wait_for_rpc_connection()
-
-        if self.options.coveragedir is not None:
-            coverage.write_all_rpc_commands(self.options.coveragedir, node.rpc)
-
-        return node
-
-    def start_nodes(self, num_nodes, dirname, extra_args=None, rpchost=None, timewait=None, binary=None):
-        """Start multiple bitcoinds, return RPC connections to them"""
+    def add_nodes(self, num_nodes, extra_args=None, rpchost=None, timewait=None, binary=None):
+        """Instantiate TestNode objects"""
 
         if extra_args is None:
             extra_args = [[]] * num_nodes
@@ -229,12 +226,30 @@ class BitcoinTestFramework(object):
             binary = [None] * num_nodes
         assert_equal(len(extra_args), num_nodes)
         assert_equal(len(binary), num_nodes)
-        nodes = []
+        for i in range(num_nodes):
+            self.nodes.append(TestNode(i, self.options.tmpdir, extra_args[i], rpchost, timewait=timewait, binary=binary[i], stderr=None, mocktime=self.mocktime, coverage_dir=self.options.coveragedir))
+
+    def start_node(self, i, extra_args=None, stderr=None):
+        """Start a bitcoind"""
+
+        node = self.nodes[i]
+
+        node.start(extra_args, stderr)
+        node.wait_for_rpc_connection()
+
+        if self.options.coveragedir is not None:
+            coverage.write_all_rpc_commands(self.options.coveragedir, node.rpc)
+
+    def start_nodes(self, extra_args=None):
+        """Start multiple bitcoinds"""
+
+        if extra_args is None:
+            extra_args = [None] * self.num_nodes
+        assert_equal(len(extra_args), self.num_nodes)
         try:
-            for i in range(num_nodes):
-                nodes.append(TestNode(i, dirname, extra_args[i], rpchost, timewait=timewait, binary=binary[i], stderr=None, mocktime=self.mocktime, coverage_dir=self.options.coveragedir))
-                nodes[i].start()
-            for node in nodes:
+            for i, node in enumerate(self.nodes):
+                node.start(extra_args[i])
+            for node in self.nodes:
                 node.wait_for_rpc_connection()
         except:
             # If one node failed to start, stop the others
@@ -242,11 +257,9 @@ class BitcoinTestFramework(object):
             raise
 
         if self.options.coveragedir is not None:
-            for node in nodes:
+            for node in self.nodes:
                 coverage.write_all_rpc_commands(self.options.coveragedir, node.rpc)
 
-        return nodes
-
     def stop_node(self, i):
         """Stop a bitcoind test node"""
         self.nodes[i].stop_node()
@@ -264,10 +277,10 @@ class BitcoinTestFramework(object):
             while not node.is_node_stopped():
                 time.sleep(0.1)
 
-    def assert_start_raises_init_error(self, i, dirname, extra_args=None, expected_msg=None):
+    def assert_start_raises_init_error(self, i, extra_args=None, expected_msg=None):
         with tempfile.SpooledTemporaryFile(max_size=2**16) as log_stderr:
             try:
-                self.start_node(i, dirname, extra_args, stderr=log_stderr)
+                self.start_node(i, extra_args, stderr=log_stderr)
                 self.stop_node(i)
             except Exception as e:
                 assert 'bitcoind exited' in str(e)  # node must have shutdown
@@ -356,16 +369,16 @@ class BitcoinTestFramework(object):
             rpc_handler.setLevel(logging.DEBUG)
             rpc_logger.addHandler(rpc_handler)
 
-    def _initialize_chain(self, test_dir, num_nodes, cachedir):
+    def _initialize_chain(self):
         """Initialize a pre-mined blockchain for use by the test.
 
         Create a cache of a 200-block-long chain (with wallet) for MAX_NODES
         Afterward, create num_nodes copies from the cache."""
 
-        assert num_nodes <= MAX_NODES
+        assert self.num_nodes <= MAX_NODES
         create_cache = False
         for i in range(MAX_NODES):
-            if not os.path.isdir(os.path.join(cachedir, 'node' + str(i))):
+            if not os.path.isdir(os.path.join(self.options.cachedir, 'node' + str(i))):
                 create_cache = True
                 break
 
@@ -374,18 +387,18 @@ class BitcoinTestFramework(object):
 
             # find and delete old cache directories if any exist
             for i in range(MAX_NODES):
-                if os.path.isdir(os.path.join(cachedir, "node" + str(i))):
-                    shutil.rmtree(os.path.join(cachedir, "node" + str(i)))
+                if os.path.isdir(os.path.join(self.options.cachedir, "node" + str(i))):
+                    shutil.rmtree(os.path.join(self.options.cachedir, "node" + str(i)))
 
             # Create cache directories, run bitcoinds:
             for i in range(MAX_NODES):
-                datadir = initialize_datadir(cachedir, i)
+                datadir = initialize_datadir(self.options.cachedir, i)
                 args = [os.getenv("BITCOIND", "bitcoind"), "-server", "-keypool=1", "-datadir=" + datadir, "-discover=0"]
                 if i > 0:
                     args.append("-connect=127.0.0.1:" + str(p2p_port(0)))
-                self.nodes.append(TestNode(i, cachedir, extra_args=[], rpchost=None, timewait=None, binary=None, stderr=None, mocktime=self.mocktime, coverage_dir=None))
+                self.nodes.append(TestNode(i, self.options.cachedir, extra_args=[], rpchost=None, timewait=None, binary=None, stderr=None, mocktime=self.mocktime, coverage_dir=None))
                 self.nodes[i].args = args
-                self.nodes[i].start()
+                self.start_node(i)
 
             # Wait for RPC connections to be ready
             for node in self.nodes:
@@ -414,24 +427,24 @@ class BitcoinTestFramework(object):
             self.nodes = []
             self.disable_mocktime()
             for i in range(MAX_NODES):
-                os.remove(log_filename(cachedir, i, "debug.log"))
-                os.remove(log_filename(cachedir, i, "db.log"))
-                os.remove(log_filename(cachedir, i, "peers.dat"))
-                os.remove(log_filename(cachedir, i, "fee_estimates.dat"))
+                os.remove(log_filename(self.options.cachedir, i, "debug.log"))
+                os.remove(log_filename(self.options.cachedir, i, "db.log"))
+                os.remove(log_filename(self.options.cachedir, i, "peers.dat"))
+                os.remove(log_filename(self.options.cachedir, i, "fee_estimates.dat"))
 
-        for i in range(num_nodes):
-            from_dir = os.path.join(cachedir, "node" + str(i))
-            to_dir = os.path.join(test_dir, "node" + str(i))
+        for i in range(self.num_nodes):
+            from_dir = os.path.join(self.options.cachedir, "node" + str(i))
+            to_dir = os.path.join(self.options.tmpdir, "node" + str(i))
             shutil.copytree(from_dir, to_dir)
-            initialize_datadir(test_dir, i)  # Overwrite port/rpcport in bitcoin.conf
+            initialize_datadir(self.options.tmpdir, i)  # Overwrite port/rpcport in bitcoin.conf
 
-    def _initialize_chain_clean(self, test_dir, num_nodes):
+    def _initialize_chain_clean(self):
         """Initialize empty blockchain for use by the test.
 
         Create an empty blockchain and num_nodes wallets.
         Useful if a test case wants complete control over initialization."""
-        for i in range(num_nodes):
-            initialize_datadir(test_dir, i)
+        for i in range(self.num_nodes):
+            initialize_datadir(self.options.tmpdir, i)
 
 class ComparisonTestFramework(BitcoinTestFramework):
     """Test framework for doing p2p comparison testing
@@ -441,8 +454,7 @@ class ComparisonTestFramework(BitcoinTestFramework):
     - 2 binaries: 1 test binary, 1 ref binary
     - n>2 binaries: 1 test binary, n-1 ref binaries"""
 
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.num_nodes = 2
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
 
@@ -455,13 +467,13 @@ class ComparisonTestFramework(BitcoinTestFramework):
                           help="bitcoind binary to use for reference nodes (if any)")
 
     def setup_network(self):
-        extra_args = [['-whitelist=127.0.0.1']]*self.num_nodes
+        extra_args = [['-whitelist=127.0.0.1']] * self.num_nodes
         if hasattr(self, "extra_args"):
             extra_args = self.extra_args
-        self.nodes = self.start_nodes(
-            self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir, extra_args,
-            binary=[self.options.testbinary] +
-            [self.options.refbinary] * (self.num_nodes - 1))
+        self.add_nodes(self.num_nodes, extra_args,
+                       binary=[self.options.testbinary] +
+                       [self.options.refbinary] * (self.num_nodes - 1))
+        self.start_nodes()
 
 class SkipTest(Exception):
     """This exception is raised to skip a test"""
diff --git a/test/functional/test_framework/test_node.py b/test/functional/test_framework/test_node.py
index 7c1325e69..efb3ac9d1 100755
--- a/test/functional/test_framework/test_node.py
+++ b/test/functional/test_framework/test_node.py
@@ -65,9 +65,13 @@ class TestNode():
         assert self.rpc_connected and self.rpc is not None, "Error: no RPC connection"
         return self.rpc.__getattr__(*args, **kwargs)
 
-    def start(self):
+    def start(self, extra_args=None, stderr=None):
         """Start the node."""
-        self.process = subprocess.Popen(self.args + self.extra_args, stderr=self.stderr)
+        if extra_args is None:
+            extra_args = self.extra_args
+        if stderr is None:
+            stderr = self.stderr
+        self.process = subprocess.Popen(self.args + extra_args, stderr=stderr)
         self.running = True
         self.log.debug("bitcoind started, waiting for RPC to come up")
 
@@ -78,7 +82,7 @@ class TestNode():
         for _ in range(poll_per_s * self.rpc_timeout):
             assert self.process.poll() is None, "bitcoind exited with status %i during initialization" % self.process.returncode
             try:
-                self.rpc = get_rpc_proxy(rpc_url(self.datadir, self.index, self.rpchost), self.index, coveragedir=self.coverage_dir)
+                self.rpc = get_rpc_proxy(rpc_url(self.datadir, self.index, self.rpchost), self.index, timeout=self.rpc_timeout, coveragedir=self.coverage_dir)
                 self.rpc.getblockcount()
                 # If the call to getblockcount() succeeds then the RPC connection is up
                 self.rpc_connected = True
diff --git a/test/functional/txn_clone.py b/test/functional/txn_clone.py
index 9b81af96c..740bb2d4c 100755
--- a/test/functional/txn_clone.py
+++ b/test/functional/txn_clone.py
@@ -8,11 +8,8 @@ from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
 from test_framework.util import *
 
 class TxnMallTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         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",
diff --git a/test/functional/txn_doublespend.py b/test/functional/txn_doublespend.py
index 1bd3b3271..69629ef95 100755
--- a/test/functional/txn_doublespend.py
+++ b/test/functional/txn_doublespend.py
@@ -8,11 +8,8 @@ from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
 from test_framework.util import *
 
 class TxnMallTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         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",
diff --git a/test/functional/uptime.py b/test/functional/uptime.py
index b20d6f5cb..78236b239 100755
--- a/test/functional/uptime.py
+++ b/test/functional/uptime.py
@@ -13,9 +13,7 @@ from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
 
 
 class UptimeTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
-
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.num_nodes = 1
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
 
diff --git a/test/functional/wallet-accounts.py b/test/functional/wallet-accounts.py
index 158aa9ae8..40726d2a7 100755
--- a/test/functional/wallet-accounts.py
+++ b/test/functional/wallet-accounts.py
@@ -17,9 +17,7 @@ from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
 from test_framework.util import assert_equal
 
 class WalletAccountsTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 1
         self.extra_args = [[]]
diff --git a/test/functional/wallet-dump.py b/test/functional/wallet-dump.py
index b573a95ab..e4757c8c0 100755
--- a/test/functional/wallet-dump.py
+++ b/test/functional/wallet-dump.py
@@ -56,10 +56,7 @@ def read_dump(file_name, addrs, hd_master_addr_old):
 
 
 class WalletDumpTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
-        self.setup_clean_chain = False
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.num_nodes = 1
         self.extra_args = [["-keypool=90"]]
 
@@ -68,7 +65,8 @@ class WalletDumpTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         # longer than the default 30 seconds due to an expensive
         # CWallet::TopUpKeyPool call, and the encryptwallet RPC made later in
         # the test often takes even longer.
-        self.nodes = self.start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir, self.extra_args, timewait=60)
+        self.add_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.extra_args, timewait=60)
+        self.start_nodes()
 
     def run_test (self):
         tmpdir = self.options.tmpdir
@@ -95,7 +93,7 @@ class WalletDumpTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
         #encrypt wallet, restart, unlock and dump
         self.nodes[0].node_encrypt_wallet('test')
-        self.nodes[0] = self.start_node(0, self.options.tmpdir, self.extra_args[0])
+        self.start_node(0)
         self.nodes[0].walletpassphrase('test', 10)
         # Should be a no-op:
         self.nodes[0].keypoolrefill()
diff --git a/test/functional/wallet-encryption.py b/test/functional/wallet-encryption.py
index 8fea4140d..f63bb2ea5 100755
--- a/test/functional/wallet-encryption.py
+++ b/test/functional/wallet-encryption.py
@@ -13,9 +13,7 @@ from test_framework.util import (
 )
 
 class WalletEncryptionTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 1
 
@@ -31,7 +29,7 @@ class WalletEncryptionTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
         # Encrypt the wallet
         self.nodes[0].node_encrypt_wallet(passphrase)
-        self.nodes[0] = self.start_node(0, self.options.tmpdir)
+        self.start_node(0)
 
         # Test that the wallet is encrypted
         assert_raises_jsonrpc(-13, "Please enter the wallet passphrase with walletpassphrase first", self.nodes[0].dumpprivkey, address)
diff --git a/test/functional/wallet-hd.py b/test/functional/wallet-hd.py
index 751512301..a6b96b745 100755
--- a/test/functional/wallet-hd.py
+++ b/test/functional/wallet-hd.py
@@ -11,11 +11,8 @@ from test_framework.util import (
 )
 import shutil
 
-
 class WalletHDTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 2
         self.extra_args = [['-usehd=0'], ['-usehd=1', '-keypool=0']]
@@ -25,8 +22,8 @@ class WalletHDTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
         # Make sure can't switch off usehd after wallet creation
         self.stop_node(1)
-        self.assert_start_raises_init_error(1, self.options.tmpdir, ['-usehd=0'], 'already existing HD wallet')
-        self.nodes[1] = self.start_node(1, self.options.tmpdir, self.extra_args[1])
+        self.assert_start_raises_init_error(1, ['-usehd=0'], 'already existing HD wallet')
+        self.start_node(1)
         connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes, 0, 1)
 
         # Make sure we use hd, keep masterkeyid
@@ -76,7 +73,7 @@ class WalletHDTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         shutil.rmtree(tmpdir + "/node1/regtest/blocks")
         shutil.rmtree(tmpdir + "/node1/regtest/chainstate")
         shutil.copyfile(tmpdir + "/hd.bak", tmpdir + "/node1/regtest/wallet.dat")
-        self.nodes[1] = self.start_node(1, self.options.tmpdir, self.extra_args[1])
+        self.start_node(1)
 
         # Assert that derivation is deterministic
         hd_add_2 = None
@@ -91,7 +88,7 @@ class WalletHDTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
         # Needs rescan
         self.stop_node(1)
-        self.nodes[1] = self.start_node(1, self.options.tmpdir, self.extra_args[1] + ['-rescan'])
+        self.start_node(1, extra_args=self.extra_args[1] + ['-rescan'])
         assert_equal(self.nodes[1].getbalance(), num_hd_adds + 1)
 
         # send a tx and make sure its using the internal chain for the changeoutput
diff --git a/test/functional/wallet.py b/test/functional/wallet.py
index f58b09bdb..27089e884 100755
--- a/test/functional/wallet.py
+++ b/test/functional/wallet.py
@@ -7,6 +7,20 @@ from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
 from test_framework.util import *
 
 class WalletTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
+    def set_test_params(self):
+        self.num_nodes = 4
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
+        self.extra_args = [['-usehd={:d}'.format(i%2==0)] for i in range(4)]
+
+    def setup_network(self):
+        self.add_nodes(4, self.extra_args)
+        self.start_node(0)
+        self.start_node(1)
+        self.start_node(2)
+        connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,0,1)
+        connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,1,2)
+        connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,0,2)
+        self.sync_all([self.nodes[0:3]])
 
     def check_fee_amount(self, curr_balance, balance_with_fee, fee_per_byte, tx_size):
         """Return curr_balance after asserting the fee was in range"""
@@ -14,21 +28,7 @@ class WalletTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         assert_fee_amount(fee, tx_size, fee_per_byte * 1000)
         return curr_balance
 
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
-        self.setup_clean_chain = True
-        self.num_nodes = 4
-        self.extra_args = [['-usehd={:d}'.format(i%2==0)] for i in range(4)]
-
-    def setup_network(self):
-        self.nodes = self.start_nodes(3, self.options.tmpdir, self.extra_args[:3])
-        connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,0,1)
-        connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,1,2)
-        connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,0,2)
-        self.sync_all()
-
     def run_test(self):
-
         # Check that there's no UTXO on none of the nodes
         assert_equal(len(self.nodes[0].listunspent()), 0)
         assert_equal(len(self.nodes[1].listunspent()), 0)
@@ -42,9 +42,9 @@ class WalletTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         assert_equal(walletinfo['immature_balance'], 50)
         assert_equal(walletinfo['balance'], 0)
 
-        self.sync_all()
+        self.sync_all([self.nodes[0:3]])
         self.nodes[1].generate(101)
-        self.sync_all()
+        self.sync_all([self.nodes[0:3]])
 
         assert_equal(self.nodes[0].getbalance(), 50)
         assert_equal(self.nodes[1].getbalance(), 50)
@@ -96,7 +96,7 @@ class WalletTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
         # Have node0 mine a block, thus it will collect its own fee.
         self.nodes[0].generate(1)
-        self.sync_all()
+        self.sync_all([self.nodes[0:3]])
 
         # Exercise locking of unspent outputs
         unspent_0 = self.nodes[2].listunspent()[0]
@@ -109,7 +109,7 @@ class WalletTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
         # Have node1 generate 100 blocks (so node0 can recover the fee)
         self.nodes[1].generate(100)
-        self.sync_all()
+        self.sync_all([self.nodes[0:3]])
 
         # node0 should end up with 100 btc in block rewards plus fees, but
         # minus the 21 plus fees sent to node2
@@ -138,7 +138,7 @@ class WalletTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
         # Have node1 mine a block to confirm transactions:
         self.nodes[1].generate(1)
-        self.sync_all()
+        self.sync_all([self.nodes[0:3]])
 
         assert_equal(self.nodes[0].getbalance(), 0)
         assert_equal(self.nodes[2].getbalance(), 94)
@@ -150,14 +150,14 @@ class WalletTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         self.nodes[2].settxfee(fee_per_byte * 1000)
         txid = self.nodes[2].sendtoaddress(address, 10, "", "", False)
         self.nodes[2].generate(1)
-        self.sync_all()
+        self.sync_all([self.nodes[0:3]])
         node_2_bal = self.check_fee_amount(self.nodes[2].getbalance(), Decimal('84'), fee_per_byte, count_bytes(self.nodes[2].getrawtransaction(txid)))
         assert_equal(self.nodes[0].getbalance(), Decimal('10'))
 
         # Send 10 BTC with subtract fee from amount
         txid = self.nodes[2].sendtoaddress(address, 10, "", "", True)
         self.nodes[2].generate(1)
-        self.sync_all()
+        self.sync_all([self.nodes[0:3]])
         node_2_bal -= Decimal('10')
         assert_equal(self.nodes[2].getbalance(), node_2_bal)
         node_0_bal = self.check_fee_amount(self.nodes[0].getbalance(), Decimal('20'), fee_per_byte, count_bytes(self.nodes[2].getrawtransaction(txid)))
@@ -165,7 +165,7 @@ class WalletTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         # Sendmany 10 BTC
         txid = self.nodes[2].sendmany('from1', {address: 10}, 0, "", [])
         self.nodes[2].generate(1)
-        self.sync_all()
+        self.sync_all([self.nodes[0:3]])
         node_0_bal += Decimal('10')
         node_2_bal = self.check_fee_amount(self.nodes[2].getbalance(), node_2_bal - Decimal('10'), fee_per_byte, count_bytes(self.nodes[2].getrawtransaction(txid)))
         assert_equal(self.nodes[0].getbalance(), node_0_bal)
@@ -173,7 +173,7 @@ class WalletTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         # Sendmany 10 BTC with subtract fee from amount
         txid = self.nodes[2].sendmany('from1', {address: 10}, 0, "", [address])
         self.nodes[2].generate(1)
-        self.sync_all()
+        self.sync_all([self.nodes[0:3]])
         node_2_bal -= Decimal('10')
         assert_equal(self.nodes[2].getbalance(), node_2_bal)
         node_0_bal = self.check_fee_amount(self.nodes[0].getbalance(), node_0_bal + Decimal('10'), fee_per_byte, count_bytes(self.nodes[2].getrawtransaction(txid)))
@@ -184,9 +184,9 @@ class WalletTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         # EXPECT: nodes[3] should have those transactions in its mempool.
         txid1 = self.nodes[0].sendtoaddress(self.nodes[1].getnewaddress(), 1)
         txid2 = self.nodes[1].sendtoaddress(self.nodes[0].getnewaddress(), 1)
-        sync_mempools(self.nodes)
+        sync_mempools(self.nodes[0:2])
 
-        self.nodes.append(self.start_node(3, self.options.tmpdir, self.extra_args[3]))
+        self.start_node(3)
         connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes, 0, 3)
         sync_blocks(self.nodes)
 
@@ -230,22 +230,24 @@ class WalletTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
         #do some -walletbroadcast tests
         self.stop_nodes()
-        self.nodes = self.start_nodes(3, self.options.tmpdir, [["-walletbroadcast=0"],["-walletbroadcast=0"],["-walletbroadcast=0"]])
+        self.start_node(0, ["-walletbroadcast=0"])
+        self.start_node(1, ["-walletbroadcast=0"])
+        self.start_node(2, ["-walletbroadcast=0"])
         connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,0,1)
         connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,1,2)
         connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,0,2)
-        self.sync_all()
+        self.sync_all([self.nodes[0:3]])
 
         txIdNotBroadcasted  = self.nodes[0].sendtoaddress(self.nodes[2].getnewaddress(), 2)
         txObjNotBroadcasted = self.nodes[0].gettransaction(txIdNotBroadcasted)
         self.nodes[1].generate(1) #mine a block, tx should not be in there
-        self.sync_all()
+        self.sync_all([self.nodes[0:3]])
         assert_equal(self.nodes[2].getbalance(), node_2_bal) #should not be changed because tx was not broadcasted
 
         #now broadcast from another node, mine a block, sync, and check the balance
         self.nodes[1].sendrawtransaction(txObjNotBroadcasted['hex'])
         self.nodes[1].generate(1)
-        self.sync_all()
+        self.sync_all([self.nodes[0:3]])
         node_2_bal += 2
         txObjNotBroadcasted = self.nodes[0].gettransaction(txIdNotBroadcasted)
         assert_equal(self.nodes[2].getbalance(), node_2_bal)
@@ -255,14 +257,16 @@ class WalletTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
         #restart the nodes with -walletbroadcast=1
         self.stop_nodes()
-        self.nodes = self.start_nodes(3, self.options.tmpdir)
+        self.start_node(0)
+        self.start_node(1)
+        self.start_node(2)
         connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,0,1)
         connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,1,2)
         connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,0,2)
-        sync_blocks(self.nodes)
+        sync_blocks(self.nodes[0:3])
 
         self.nodes[0].generate(1)
-        sync_blocks(self.nodes)
+        sync_blocks(self.nodes[0:3])
         node_2_bal += 2
 
         #tx should be added to balance because after restarting the nodes tx should be broadcastet
@@ -293,7 +297,7 @@ class WalletTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         address_to_import = self.nodes[2].getnewaddress()
         txid = self.nodes[0].sendtoaddress(address_to_import, 1)
         self.nodes[0].generate(1)
-        self.sync_all()
+        self.sync_all([self.nodes[0:3]])
 
         # 2. Import address from node2 to node1
         self.nodes[1].importaddress(address_to_import)
@@ -319,15 +323,15 @@ class WalletTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         cbAddr = self.nodes[1].getnewaddress()
         blkHash = self.nodes[0].generatetoaddress(1, cbAddr)[0]
         cbTxId = self.nodes[0].getblock(blkHash)['tx'][0]
-        self.sync_all()
+        self.sync_all([self.nodes[0:3]])
 
         # Check that the txid and balance is found by node1
         self.nodes[1].gettransaction(cbTxId)
 
         # check if wallet or blockchain maintenance changes the balance
-        self.sync_all()
+        self.sync_all([self.nodes[0:3]])
         blocks = self.nodes[0].generate(2)
-        self.sync_all()
+        self.sync_all([self.nodes[0:3]])
         balance_nodes = [self.nodes[i].getbalance() for i in range(3)]
         block_count = self.nodes[0].getblockcount()
 
@@ -358,7 +362,9 @@ class WalletTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
             self.log.info("check " + m)
             self.stop_nodes()
             # set lower ancestor limit for later
-            self.nodes = self.start_nodes(3, self.options.tmpdir, [[m, "-limitancestorcount="+str(chainlimit)]] * 3)
+            self.start_node(0, [m, "-limitancestorcount="+str(chainlimit)])
+            self.start_node(1, [m, "-limitancestorcount="+str(chainlimit)])
+            self.start_node(2, [m, "-limitancestorcount="+str(chainlimit)])
             while m == '-reindex' and [block_count] * 3 != [self.nodes[i].getblockcount() for i in range(3)]:
                 # reindex will leave rpc warm up "early"; Wait for it to finish
                 time.sleep(0.1)
@@ -406,7 +412,7 @@ class WalletTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         # Try with walletrejectlongchains
         # Double chain limit but require combining inputs, so we pass SelectCoinsMinConf
         self.stop_node(0)
-        self.nodes[0] = self.start_node(0, self.options.tmpdir, ["-walletrejectlongchains", "-limitancestorcount="+str(2*chainlimit)])
+        self.start_node(0, extra_args=["-walletrejectlongchains", "-limitancestorcount="+str(2*chainlimit)])
 
         # wait for loadmempool
         timeout = 10
diff --git a/test/functional/walletbackup.py b/test/functional/walletbackup.py
index ff51cba4b..15ea26afa 100755
--- a/test/functional/walletbackup.py
+++ b/test/functional/walletbackup.py
@@ -37,11 +37,9 @@ from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
 from test_framework.util import *
 
 class WalletBackupTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
-        self.setup_clean_chain = True
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.num_nodes = 4
+        self.setup_clean_chain = True
         # nodes 1, 2,3 are spenders, let's give them a keypool=100
         self.extra_args = [["-keypool=100"], ["-keypool=100"], ["-keypool=100"], []]
 
@@ -78,9 +76,9 @@ class WalletBackupTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
     # As above, this mirrors the original bash test.
     def start_three(self):
-        self.nodes[0] = self.start_node(0, self.options.tmpdir)
-        self.nodes[1] = self.start_node(1, self.options.tmpdir)
-        self.nodes[2] = self.start_node(2, self.options.tmpdir)
+        self.start_node(0)
+        self.start_node(1)
+        self.start_node(2)
         connect_nodes(self.nodes[0], 3)
         connect_nodes(self.nodes[1], 3)
         connect_nodes(self.nodes[2], 3)
diff --git a/test/functional/zapwallettxes.py b/test/functional/zapwallettxes.py
index af867d7a5..c001517a6 100755
--- a/test/functional/zapwallettxes.py
+++ b/test/functional/zapwallettxes.py
@@ -20,9 +20,7 @@ from test_framework.util import (assert_equal,
                                  )
 
 class ZapWalletTXesTest (BitcoinTestFramework):
-
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 2
 
@@ -48,7 +46,7 @@ class ZapWalletTXesTest (BitcoinTestFramework):
 
         # Stop-start node0. Both confirmed and unconfirmed transactions remain in the wallet.
         self.stop_node(0)
-        self.nodes[0] = self.start_node(0, self.options.tmpdir)
+        self.start_node(0)
 
         assert_equal(self.nodes[0].gettransaction(txid1)['txid'], txid1)
         assert_equal(self.nodes[0].gettransaction(txid2)['txid'], txid2)
@@ -56,7 +54,7 @@ class ZapWalletTXesTest (BitcoinTestFramework):
         # Stop node0 and restart with zapwallettxes and persistmempool. The unconfirmed
         # transaction is zapped from the wallet, but is re-added when the mempool is reloaded.
         self.stop_node(0)
-        self.nodes[0] = self.start_node(0, self.options.tmpdir, ["-persistmempool=1", "-zapwallettxes=2"])
+        self.start_node(0, ["-persistmempool=1", "-zapwallettxes=2"])
 
         assert_equal(self.nodes[0].gettransaction(txid1)['txid'], txid1)
         assert_equal(self.nodes[0].gettransaction(txid2)['txid'], txid2)
@@ -64,7 +62,7 @@ class ZapWalletTXesTest (BitcoinTestFramework):
         # Stop node0 and restart with zapwallettxes, but not persistmempool.
         # The unconfirmed transaction is zapped and is no longer in the wallet.
         self.stop_node(0)
-        self.nodes[0] = self.start_node(0, self.options.tmpdir, ["-zapwallettxes=2"])
+        self.start_node(0, ["-zapwallettxes=2"])
 
         # tx1 is still be available because it was confirmed
         assert_equal(self.nodes[0].gettransaction(txid1)['txid'], txid1)
diff --git a/test/functional/zmq_test.py b/test/functional/zmq_test.py
index 26c946d21..3f2668ee8 100755
--- a/test/functional/zmq_test.py
+++ b/test/functional/zmq_test.py
@@ -13,9 +13,7 @@ from test_framework.util import (assert_equal,
                                  )
 
 class ZMQTest (BitcoinTestFramework):
-
-    def __init__(self):
-        super().__init__()
+    def set_test_params(self):
         self.num_nodes = 2
 
     def setup_nodes(self):
@@ -41,8 +39,9 @@ class ZMQTest (BitcoinTestFramework):
         self.zmqSubSocket.setsockopt(zmq.SUBSCRIBE, b"hashtx")
         ip_address = "tcp://127.0.0.1:28332"
         self.zmqSubSocket.connect(ip_address)
-        extra_args = [['-zmqpubhashtx=%s' % ip_address, '-zmqpubhashblock=%s' % ip_address], []]
-        self.nodes = self.start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir, extra_args)
+        self.extra_args = [['-zmqpubhashtx=%s' % ip_address, '-zmqpubhashblock=%s' % ip_address], []]
+        self.add_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.extra_args)
+        self.start_nodes()
 
     def run_test(self):
         try: