Sure enough had to spend a ton of money on a drain, pump, and mold removal.

Similar get the drains scoped.  

I have found tremendous value helping those who value my time, and I have learned how to deal with those who drain you. 

Okay, that IS a really tough job, I can see that draining one emotionally. 

This includes some major items like below upgrading septic to elgin septic system 20kupgrading electric to new cod 20ktree cutting trimming 10ktrench/French drain 10khvac replacement repair 10knew plumbing 10kcrawlspace repairs 10kappliances replacement 5kdoors replacement 5kmold repairs 3kroof repairs 3kother repairs It is in good location.

Cast Iron drain and waste lines typically have a 50 - 60 year life.

So they now own a house that is rented and the rent covers the mortgage payment by a ration of 1.25:1 or so and they have 5k extra in their pockets and their Heloc money, which they only needed 75k - 80k of - so 100k HELOC should be plenty - was enough. to get through the lifecycle.Do not let them drain their equity from primary and just sink it into a project. 

Example bids: $400 to snake a drain, $250 to lay an insect trap.* No proactive maintenance, and even the turnovers were inconsistent.

But since this is consistent I'd also consider an actual plumbing drain stack leak.

Maybe the foundation is slipping, the roof is needing full replacement, the plumbing backs up every time you are draining the tub and try to flush the toilet...