Some worry is healthy and keeps us rooted in reality instead of playing with puppies on rainbows. 

And root are 100% right

I also noticed a tree with roots that are butting up directly next to the foundation and siding of the house where I believe so far the water intrusion occurred.

REI isn't at the root of what you're talking about, but being stuck in a toxic relationship is probably going to prevent you from being successful in anything you choose to do, not just REI.

If you buy property in one of the few areas that rely on a Torrens system of recording you can lose your title in a forgery because each Certificate of Title issued by the county is considered a root of title extinguishing any interests not shown on the Certificate. 

I am rooting for you and hope that your plans work out beautifully.

Tree roots can be another source of cracks in a foundation.You mentioned it's an older house, in which case 5% might not be enough for ongoing repairs budget.

@Marco Morkous Silly/stupid question, given that you’ve had a pro work on what everyone appears to presume is a utility sewer line, but: are you sure that the house is not on a septic tank, with the root of the problem there?

They have had some health issues that have been at the root cause of the late payments.

My most recent deal, and the one that I posted a few details about above is in the middle of LoHi, right near Root Down, and even this is going to a neighborhood a little more sketchy than I'm used to.