Overall, we had to put on a new roof, extensive landscaping, "60 years of growth never cut", new decking, new fencing, completely remodeled kitchen, updated fixtures and lighting, paint, electrical upgrades, and drywall repairs. 

We’ve already cut the fat including thing that are “wants” and not needs and we still have a lot of things that must happen before we can list it including some structural projects and sump pump issues etc…I’m working two jobs and caring for 3 kids and husband is working 10-12 hour days so obviously time is limited.

Yeah, i am almost thinking it might be better to cut a couple 16 inch by 16 inch sections out (what looks to be the worst) as much as I don't want to.

Getting your hair cut?

The reason I want to take this adventure is not to be come rich by any means but to become financially free and to be able to cut back in my current career and work less to spend time with my family.

Tying capex to the rate of inflation or tying capex to rent appreciation?

It's a higher rate and cost, but it doesn't tie you down.

My thought is did the power company put that pole in before the cut, or after.If it was after, perhaps the pole goes extra deep, down through the hilly area and below the ground level of the driveway.If it was before the cut, will a retaining wall be enough to hold back the leverage of a big storm, or will you have a downed pole and a bunch of scattered blocks.Leverage is a powerful thing.Cost to move the pole might be less than a wall, but you still have a septic tank in that hillside.If that starts to wash out, it will be unpleasant, but maybe you could move it somewhere else if that happens.Just my 2 cents. 

While the current lifetime exemption is approx $ 11.7M, this is set to be cut in half effective 1/1/26, and that reduction may further be accelerated if tax legislation gets passed.

Some of that goes back to whatever cut-rate broker lets you hang out your shingle.