I would need to have years of knowledge of the company and multiple local success AND failure stories before I thought about it, and my first, second, and third thoughts would really be, WHY CAN'T I DO THIS MYSELF?

He was a multiple failure until he got into the business of lying to people about how he became successful in business.

Failure to disclose/lying on a mortgage application will quickly get you denied. 

Some of the failure mechanisms are rusted connection hardware, crack treads, spalling from freeze-thaw cycle, and decay from moisture.  

Through the failures of his earlier business partnerships and the success of his current one, Mike has identified the benefits of partnership, the requirements a potential partner must meet, and insights on what it takes to be a part of an exponentially successful duo.

Has anyone had success/failure in a similar venture? 

Some "REIs" will engineer transactions for failure for the tenant/buyer. 

Speaking from a Contr's point of view, I would not want to install anything that a homeowner purchased. a) I lose out on the material mark-up, b) if there is a failure, you're going to call the Contr regardless, right?

Those who say it's illegal would agree.Another thing often confused is that failure to enforce a law does not equal legality.

You may be surprised how fast your improvements are actually destroyed by tenants, so don't go overboard fixing things based on your personal taste.I can see your point and you do have a valid argument; however, I am looking at it from the standpoint that I would rather spend the money to have it removed and capped than to worry about another potential point of failure, as I plan to keep this rental for a long time.