[tests] TestNode: separate add_node from start_node

Separates the act of creating a TestNode object from starting the node.
The test_framework now keeps track of its list of TestNodes, and test
writers can call start_node() and stop_node() without having to update
the self.nodes list.

36 files changed, 202 insertions, 197 deletions

diff --git a/test/functional/abandonconflict.py b/test/functional/abandonconflict.py
index c87c02492d..1db04337a9 100755
--- a/test/functional/abandonconflict.py
+++ b/test/functional/abandonconflict.py
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ 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 +101,7 @@ 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 +121,7 @@ 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 9d17faac51..63e6a384a4 100755
--- a/test/functional/assumevalid.py
+++ b/test/functional/assumevalid.py
@@ -60,10 +60,11 @@ class AssumeValidTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         self.num_nodes = 3
 
     def setup_network(self):
+        self.add_nodes(3, self.options.tmpdir)
         # 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 +163,13 @@ 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/bip9-softforks.py b/test/functional/bip9-softforks.py
index f00232c9ff..ad16482550 100755
--- a/test/functional/bip9-softforks.py
+++ b/test/functional/bip9-softforks.py
@@ -241,6 +241,7 @@ 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/blockchain.py b/test/functional/blockchain.py
index 0812e1b0df..a3a6cf2fb8 100755
--- a/test/functional/blockchain.py
+++ b/test/functional/blockchain.py
@@ -146,7 +146,7 @@ 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 9633ffdebb..00c085af55 100755
--- a/test/functional/bumpfee.py
+++ b/test/functional/bumpfee.py
@@ -34,21 +34,18 @@ class BumpFeeTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         super().__init__()
         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 39c4c0f47e..1a5754b3f7 100755
--- a/test/functional/create_cache.py
+++ b/test/functional/create_cache.py
@@ -18,7 +18,6 @@ class CreateCache(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
         # Test network and test nodes are not required:
         self.num_nodes = 0
-        self.nodes = []
 
     def setup_network(self):
         pass
diff --git a/test/functional/dbcrash.py b/test/functional/dbcrash.py
index a7fcc411c3..d39369105b 100755
--- a/test/functional/dbcrash.py
+++ b/test/functional/dbcrash.py
@@ -65,7 +65,8 @@ 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, self.options.tmpdir, self.extra_args, 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 +79,7 @@ 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/disconnect_ban.py b/test/functional/disconnect_ban.py
index 19723226d3..cc8901c40c 100755
--- a/test/functional/disconnect_ban.py
+++ b/test/functional/disconnect_ban.py
@@ -68,8 +68,8 @@ 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/forknotify.py b/test/functional/forknotify.py
index 3bcf0a6795..3a2a927098 100755
--- a/test/functional/forknotify.py
+++ b/test/functional/forknotify.py
@@ -7,7 +7,6 @@ import os
 import time
 
 from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
-from test_framework.util import *
 
 class ForkNotifyTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
@@ -17,18 +16,12 @@ class ForkNotifyTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         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 f2f4efcf28..242b6eed10 100755
--- a/test/functional/fundrawtransaction.py
+++ b/test/functional/fundrawtransaction.py
@@ -449,11 +449,11 @@ 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/import-rescan.py b/test/functional/import-rescan.py
index 4fc5078217..be52d5c847 100755
--- a/test/functional/import-rescan.py
+++ b/test/functional/import-rescan.py
@@ -121,7 +121,8 @@ 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, self.options.tmpdir, 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 e83e85de13..6aae95549d 100755
--- a/test/functional/importmulti.py
+++ b/test/functional/importmulti.py
@@ -429,7 +429,7 @@ 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/keypool-topup.py b/test/functional/keypool-topup.py
index da29f697e3..5425afc9b1 100755
--- a/test/functional/keypool-topup.py
+++ b/test/functional/keypool-topup.py
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ 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 +61,7 @@ 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 3e7bb0ee07..0f84b5c055 100755
--- a/test/functional/keypool.py
+++ b/test/functional/keypool.py
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ 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)
diff --git a/test/functional/listtransactions.py b/test/functional/listtransactions.py
index f75a8e29cc..9b97028417 100755
--- a/test/functional/listtransactions.py
+++ b/test/functional/listtransactions.py
@@ -20,11 +20,7 @@ class ListTransactionsTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         super().__init__()
         self.num_nodes = 4
         self.setup_clean_chain = False
-
-    def setup_nodes(self):
-        #This test requires mocktime
         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 66e5bd29e6..6bd6a9e34f 100755
--- a/test/functional/maxuploadtarget.py
+++ b/test/functional/maxuploadtarget.py
@@ -147,7 +147,7 @@ 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_persist.py b/test/functional/mempool_persist.py
index 807edeb7a8..dc5a3263ff 100755
--- a/test/functional/mempool_persist.py
+++ b/test/functional/mempool_persist.py
@@ -63,9 +63,8 @@ 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 +72,14 @@ 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/multiwallet.py b/test/functional/multiwallet.py
index fc6e8e325f..7381a9fd54 100755
--- a/test/functional/multiwallet.py
+++ b/test/functional/multiwallet.py
@@ -23,17 +23,17 @@ 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/p2p-segwit.py b/test/functional/p2p-segwit.py
index 63dfbb8ae6..9189f5ef23 100755
--- a/test/functional/p2p-segwit.py
+++ b/test/functional/p2p-segwit.py
@@ -1496,7 +1496,7 @@ 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-versionbits-warning.py b/test/functional/p2p-versionbits-warning.py
index df7e8ce5c1..a7aacf908d 100755
--- a/test/functional/p2p-versionbits-warning.py
+++ b/test/functional/p2p-versionbits-warning.py
@@ -112,7 +112,7 @@ 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 +123,7 @@ 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/proxy_test.py b/test/functional/proxy_test.py
index ae6f843ddc..7f5a3810f4 100755
--- a/test/functional/proxy_test.py
+++ b/test/functional/proxy_test.py
@@ -89,7 +89,8 @@ 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, self.options.tmpdir, 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 3e00a34ac4..5c0e21f328 100755
--- a/test/functional/pruning.py
+++ b/test/functional/pruning.py
@@ -56,6 +56,10 @@ 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.options.tmpdir, 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 +102,7 @@ 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 +130,7 @@ 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 +153,7 @@ 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 +231,15 @@ 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 +313,7 @@ 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 +321,7 @@ 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 +331,7 @@ 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/receivedby.py b/test/functional/receivedby.py
index 19d99c9c9e..b165834169 100755
--- a/test/functional/receivedby.py
+++ b/test/functional/receivedby.py
@@ -28,11 +28,7 @@ class ReceivedByTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         super().__init__()
         self.num_nodes = 4
         self.setup_clean_chain = False
-
-    def setup_nodes(self):
-        #This test requires mocktime
         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 b446baa04d..0d2a106592 100755
--- a/test/functional/reindex.py
+++ b/test/functional/reindex.py
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ 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/resendwallettransactions.py b/test/functional/resendwallettransactions.py
index 5059aa106e..db6f6eec45 100755
--- a/test/functional/resendwallettransactions.py
+++ b/test/functional/resendwallettransactions.py
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ 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/rpcbind_test.py b/test/functional/rpcbind_test.py
index 20808207b2..e9d64af204 100755
--- a/test/functional/rpcbind_test.py
+++ b/test/functional/rpcbind_test.py
@@ -20,10 +20,7 @@ class RPCBindTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         self.num_nodes = 1
 
     def setup_network(self):
-        pass
-
-    def setup_nodes(self):
-        pass
+        self.add_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir, None)
 
     def run_bind_test(self, allow_ips, connect_to, addresses, expected):
         '''
@@ -31,12 +28,14 @@ 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 +45,10 @@ 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/smartfees.py b/test/functional/smartfees.py
index bc42a319df..6eb6658466 100755
--- a/test/functional/smartfees.py
+++ b/test/functional/smartfees.py
@@ -153,57 +153,16 @@ 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, self.options.tmpdir, 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 +191,51 @@ 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 7903bb0045..a14ff9c292 100755
--- a/test/functional/test_framework/test_framework.py
+++ b/test/functional/test_framework/test_framework.py
@@ -91,7 +91,8 @@ class BitcoinTestFramework(object):
         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)
+        self.add_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir, extra_args)
+        self.start_nodes()
 
     def run_test(self):
         raise NotImplementedError
@@ -204,37 +205,39 @@ class BitcoinTestFramework(object):
 
     # 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"""
+    def add_nodes(self, num_nodes, dirname, extra_args=None, rpchost=None, timewait=None, binary=None):
+        """Instantiate TestNode objects"""
 
         if extra_args is None:
-            extra_args = []
+            extra_args = [[]] * num_nodes
         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()
+            binary = [None] * num_nodes
+        assert_equal(len(extra_args), num_nodes)
+        assert_equal(len(binary), num_nodes)
+        for i in range(num_nodes):
+            self.nodes.append(TestNode(i, dirname, 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)
 
-        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 start_nodes(self, extra_args=None):
+        """Start multiple bitcoinds"""
 
         if extra_args is None:
-            extra_args = [[]] * num_nodes
-        if binary is None:
-            binary = [None] * num_nodes
-        assert_equal(len(extra_args), num_nodes)
-        assert_equal(len(binary), num_nodes)
-        nodes = []
+            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 +245,9 @@ 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 +265,10 @@ 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
@@ -385,7 +386,7 @@ class BitcoinTestFramework(object):
                     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[i].args = args
-                self.nodes[i].start()
+                self.start_node(i)
 
             # Wait for RPC connections to be ready
             for node in self.nodes:
@@ -455,13 +456,13 @@ 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, self.options.tmpdir, 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 4063f988e8..d9ee405293 100755
--- a/test/functional/test_framework/test_node.py
+++ b/test/functional/test_framework/test_node.py
@@ -61,9 +61,13 @@ 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")
 
diff --git a/test/functional/wallet-dump.py b/test/functional/wallet-dump.py
index 61ad00330b..a588e2386f 100755
--- a/test/functional/wallet-dump.py
+++ b/test/functional/wallet-dump.py
@@ -68,7 +68,8 @@ 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.options.tmpdir, self.extra_args, timewait=60)
+        self.start_nodes()
 
     def run_test (self):
         tmpdir = self.options.tmpdir
@@ -95,7 +96,7 @@ 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 8fea4140db..2f38e6fee8 100755
--- a/test/functional/wallet-encryption.py
+++ b/test/functional/wallet-encryption.py
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ 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 751512301e..edc74089ba 100755
--- a/test/functional/wallet-hd.py
+++ b/test/functional/wallet-hd.py
@@ -25,8 +25,8 @@ 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 +76,7 @@ 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 +91,7 @@ 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 3e3e8fcddb..7694b122c6 100755
--- a/test/functional/wallet.py
+++ b/test/functional/wallet.py
@@ -21,11 +21,14 @@ class WalletTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         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])
+        self.add_nodes(4, self.options.tmpdir, 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.sync_all([self.nodes[0:3]])
 
     def run_test(self):
 
@@ -42,9 +45,9 @@ 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)
@@ -88,7 +91,7 @@ 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]
@@ -101,7 +104,7 @@ 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
@@ -130,7 +133,7 @@ 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)
@@ -142,14 +145,14 @@ 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)))
@@ -157,7 +160,7 @@ 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)
@@ -165,7 +168,7 @@ 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)))
@@ -176,9 +179,9 @@ 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)
 
@@ -222,22 +225,24 @@ 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)
@@ -247,14 +252,16 @@ 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
@@ -285,7 +292,7 @@ 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)
@@ -311,15 +318,15 @@ 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()
 
@@ -350,7 +357,9 @@ 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)
@@ -398,7 +407,7 @@ 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 ff51cba4b3..688cd6d0c8 100755
--- a/test/functional/walletbackup.py
+++ b/test/functional/walletbackup.py
@@ -78,9 +78,9 @@ 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 af867d7a52..1005a4b95f 100755
--- a/test/functional/zapwallettxes.py
+++ b/test/functional/zapwallettxes.py
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ 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 +56,7 @@ 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 +64,7 @@ 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 26c946d215..603b7a1b94 100755
--- a/test/functional/zmq_test.py
+++ b/test/functional/zmq_test.py
@@ -41,8 +41,9 @@ 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.options.tmpdir, self.extra_args)
+        self.start_nodes()
 
     def run_test(self):
         try: