I've also heard it can be a good thing to have some debt against a property because if any issues arise legally, the bank will be the first line of defense. 

In my mind if you have these issues if I was the seller I would let  you cancel and get your EM back  not your inspections and other things but EM yes.

Plumbing company says its the only way to resolve the issue I have.

Either1) your startup takes off and you can distribute profit fast enough to pay off your debts, or2) you find another source of $100,000 a year (which barely even starts to pay down the $300k, but might provide a better chance for a better loan), or3) you BK and possibly lose the rental houses to creditors (hopefully not, but we don’t know how they are held), or 4) you sell the houses, take the tax hit, work with the IRS on a payment plan whose interest will be much lower than your CCs, and focus on the startup.  

Good news is our land is where all of the next-door houses are (free houses, I think legal issues). 

I invest locally and invest out of state, and the main issue for most is the shiny diamond syndrome providing you the reasons why investing (insert area here) is the best place. 

If you are a control person, this can be a challenge but I have learned to let go over day to day issues that come up that I would do differently.Handypersons are a tough one.

I was able to see those for you here https://www.biggerpockets.com/analysis/rentals If you can't see those feel free to email [email protected] with your browser and a bit more information about where you are seeing the issue

I have already had the pleasure of speaking with a few of you from Atlantic Canada here on bigger pockets. perhaps we can use this thread or create one to help with current issues problems or solutions to issues and challenges we face thoughts? 

Just curious if you can sell the lot after approval by the city and recorded with the county or do you have to wait for APN's to be issued?