As a mortgage banker having dealt with a whole number of credit repair companies, all 3 CRAs as well as other credit restoration/support companies, I can tell you that you're best bet is to have the following:1 - 2 installment loans which would include a mortgage, car loan, car insurance, student loans, etc.  3, yes 3 revolving credit lines (so 3 credit cards)carrying a 20% - yes, yikes but I've been told by many, many sources this is correctKeep in mind that the credit score you pull from creditkarma and freecreditreport.com will NOT be the same scores you get when a lender pulls your credit for mortgage purposes. 

If it is significant water-mold-moisture damage, contract with a restoration company.

You say your tenant is Section 8 - is there a set amount that Sec 8 pays and the tenant pays the rest or is Sec 8 picking up the whole tab?

Any advice or stories shared appreciated.I'm in LA, and here's my advice:Offering a 15% rent reduction is going to haunt you for years because rent control won't allow you to restore the original rental rate when markets rebound.

C was transferred to the county where 'his' houses are and I am still working to get the transfer of title restored to my name without a glitch. 

@Jake ShoupeThis sounds more like a 'restoration' than a 'repair'. 

In my area, someone being foreclosed on can pay off the debt right up until the auction takes place and restore their title.

Great work on restoring the floors guys!

You borrowed $60k.....you could have spent $30k on the rehab and pocketed the rest or you could have spent $80k, using an additional $20k of cash. 

Insulating is a good thing to do in all cases and is low cost.If you need to replace a glass or window, that's the time to upgrade as the marginal addition cost improves the property value - - talking about dual or triple pane retro fit windows here.When restoring after a fire, even though only four windows were blown out, I replace ALL in both units as upgrades and the contractors were already onsite.