Well, TESLA/PG&E have partnered to purchase the old power plant.  

The submeter is accurate and tracks usage of anything powered on in the unit. 

Quote from @Dan Powers: @Ernest Wade It all depends on what kind of returns you are looking for.

This will cover the unit’s condition, including plumbing, electrical systems, and any visible structural issues.

You might be able to erect a shed style place for that, but that's minus insulation, electric, plumbing, finishes, furnishing etc etc etc.. $3k is fantasy land. 

That extra buying power will give me a better chance of finding a property within the area I’m looking in.

Never under estimate the power of good old fashioned fun in real estate.I have a couple questions/ideas for you. 

Provided your Sub2 purchase closing is done complete with all the necessary paperwork (e.g. limited power-of-attorney between the sellers and you), refinancing should be no different than a normal refinance.Sub2 can be heaven or hell, depending on the quality of your closing paperwork.

Regarding fire places, our friends that have older apartments with fire places are often filling the fireplace gap with electric LED "virtual fireplaces". 

Only 10,000 are electric vehicles.EVs are only affordable with heavy subsidies, and even then there is good evidence that they cost more for the user, the environment, and society in general.Just wait until the electric grid collapses.