With gas (or propane) you need a chimney for gravity vent units, that means you now have to properly maintain the chimney and possibly install a liner, repair masonry, etc.

One building is a two-story, masonry bottom, frame top 4 unit apartment complex.

RetailDesign and control of concrete mixtures 34.00Placing of reinforcing bars 44.95Concrete masonry handbook 43.95Concrete Formwork 125.95Builders guide to accounting 22.50Code of Fed. reg.

The basic axiom for masonry is NEVER paint it.

Thanks Darius Striglers & Chris Mason rI think I'm understanding now.

Below are some specs I was able to ascertain:Land:  14810 SFType: MotelWall Height 10 Stories: 2 Bldg:  8200 SF Framing Masonry bearing walls Exterior Walls Stud -Brick Veneer; Actual Year Built 1986 Elevator 0It has been a family run place since its inception, having been reared in the hotel/motel business since age 10. 

Hey,I'm looking for a couple of contractor referrals for a large replacement of a Railroad Tie retaining wall that is rotting out, and an elevated deck+walkway. Anyone have contact info they can send my way?ThanksKevin 

I can't be sure what the issue is based on your description, but I like finding properties other people are unsure of, or scared of because of things like that: it's just a big old hammer to use when it comes time to negotiate, and/or means fewer people are going to be interested in the property.I also happen to be an engineer, and I've done a fair amount of construction in my life, including masonry and framing work, so not much scares me.

If you have masonry walls they can drill holes into mortar joints and inject from there.  

Wherever it slopes, there will be significant water flowing, and if that water isn't managed correctly, it will cause problems (even if it is managed correctly, it can cause problems--because you, or someone, has to manage the water management infrastructure to keep it operational).If the driveway does slope toward the house, the accumulating water can cause foundation settling, masonry degradation, rot, possibly flooding, etc.Water is the enemy of houses--and understanding the specifics of how water moves, accumulates, drains, etc. is probably the most underrated skill in real estate investing, IMO.Good luck out there!