First property, generally freaking out

[Justin Dziedzic]

Ok. I acquired my first property about 5 months ago. Purchased from my aunt who was a heavy smoker so I knew there would be some rehab. I had scrubbed most walls with TSP (not all) and primed with 1 coat of kilz. Tenant has been in for about 5 weeks now and there have already been a variety of issues including what looks like nicotine or another old stain seeping through the paint (see pics). A few painters have said they've seen this, especially with heavily smoked in homes and to reprimer and paint. My worry is that some spots have a powdery middle spot to them, not all. Visible in one pic.

My big concern is mold. I don’t think this is mold but it got me thinking about mold. The basement is typical damp feeling. I added damprid buckets and will be getting a dehumidifier but anything else I can do to be aware of? 

I’m not sure my anxiety can handle being a landlord. Inspection occurred about 4 months ago and no signs of anything troublesome. 

[Jim K.]

@Justin Dziedzic

With the pictures on something like this, it's always good to give an establishing shot, too, so someone looking at the problem has a better idea of where it is and what's around it.

I honestly have no clue what this is. But pick up a quart of shellac-based Zinsser B-I-N primer, too. Do TWO BRUSHED coats of that -- it dries a bit faster than Kilz and works great for problem areas. If whatever it is goes through that, too, then you probably do have something funny going on. If you have to cut out and replace and then refinish the drywall, it's really a lot easier than some would have you believe.

Worry less about mold. Every structure ever built by human beings has mold in it. If the basement is too damp, yes, that can be addressed (not fixed) with a dehumidifier.

The anxiety gets better as you gain experience, Justin. You're not sitting on the sidelines anymore, like half the people here in these forums. There's a lot to be said for that. You'll be fine.