This is a valid method of investment for those who lack the initial capital themselves and who have issues getting a loan from a conventional financial lender. 

In this case it sullies (in my opinion) their reputation, is a huge waste of time, and might implicitly validate a strategy that won't yield a positive result.  

Always looking for ways to improve the ARV, and have one upgrade that I'm on the fence about.The gas boiler for this 1920's house is pushing 40 years old.  

Possibly see if you can reroute the gas line from where it currently protrudes from the slab by running it along the wall through the studs or along the interior back of the cabinets.

It's not paying your bills or providing your with gas money (your cash flow does that...more on that in a second)...so if you have a use for that equity, meaning you can leverage it to gain MORE investment properties, then who cares what the fees are?  

Maybe you buy your gas with it every week.

Whose paying  for the gas and electric?

I'm such a cash-flow guy that I do tend to focus on that as the goal, and you made really valid points about the different strategies people have for their investments. 

A gas line.

Is it a valid loan.Next what is the value of the property compared to the note.