Now back to the real, or at least more consistent world: drywall costs vary as to the unique nature of each job location, therefore comparing estimates without details is an exercise in futility. 

What are the cost & nature of the upgrades?

Many people think that there is a problem with too many foreign buyers, but much of the time they aren't actually foreign.People anecdotally look at a neighbourhood and see that there are many people of Chinese descent there.

The basic idea with MB is that when developers and government infrastructure projects etc. unavoidably must destroy natural "habitat," they must either restore it or else offset the damage by purchasing credits in certified mitigation banks to preserve multiple acres more of habitat than was taken out.

When that happens, the profit naturally follows, and with fewer landlord headaches.

It's encouraging to hear that things will become more natural as you progress. 

Naturally, he doesn't want to move there due to the long distance to work.

This rental increase can be extremely disruptive to the repeat business that many homeowners rely on.Many Cape and Islands homeowners struggle economically due to the very seasonal nature of business here.

Naturally you like the higher rent this prospect offered, but I wonder if you should advertise the unit at a higher rent -- perhaps $1700 is below market -- and wait for a stronger tenant (without a dog and three teenage sons).

Everyone you meet at these naturally asks what you do, and when you tell them they all want to talk real estate.