As it stands, if you build the wall now, you will have to contend with the overhanging treads, which will complicate drywalling and finishing. 

I know 98% of wholesalers will look at this post and think (or say) 'he doesn't know squat...' but I contend if those 98% actually made a dime wholesaling, they would learn quickly that using "investing" methods (exchanges, installment sales, depreciation allowance, etc.) will not work for IRS non-investment transactions.

Since I began investing in Detroit a few years ago I cannot get my head around so many things regarding the way things are done over there - but this one definitely is a contender for taking the cake. 

The timing of your rental is creating the interest in the property.Colleges are graduating soon and tons of students will need new apartments for their first job.I also suspect you priced it too low and need to hike it another 100 bucks or more a month to weed out the losers and narrow down the contenders.

Remember, when screening, you are looking for any reason to reject applicants not reasons to accept.These applicants have failed my initial screening as being contenders on my list, not necessarily off the list but defiantly sidelined. 

A little more than paint... he put in a lot of $$, but I'd contend there are $100K spreads on cities coast to coast.

I mean, there are still Washington laws to contend with, but yes, if you hire a manager it's their job to handle all that.

@Josh DeedenContended poverty is an honorable estate but if indeed it be contended it's not poverty at all.

If you have good credit and a good income, you should consider the HomeStyle Renovation loan from Fannie Mae as you wouldn't have to contend with lifetime PMI as you would with an FHA loan.

I live about 30 minutes west of you in Verdi, and invest mostly in the Nevada City CA area -- I've found better rental returns (although those are drying up fast) and fewer investors to contend with.