I don't have enough info to pass judgment on the mentor, but the suggestion to concentrate on newer houses with less maintenance is counter to most of the logic around REI - newer houses may have less equity, and without a distressed condition, there is less justification for offering a heavily discounted price for the property.

I like these places since they deliver free of charge.While your tenants certainly do not have a legal justification regarding with holding rent because of the current stove, what is the less painful route for you to go regarding this matter?

I mean, I'm sure most landlords don't set out to be slumlords, but I don't even think I could stand that perception of my business.To explain a little further, and to build off @Mike Cumbie, this is a personal loan, with the justification of "buying property" (or something to that effect), to cover a significant portion of the purchase and rehab costs I cannot cover out of pocket.

What you need is justification for the new value.... ie: appraisal.  

There is NO justification for what you did, and to continue trying to justify bad behavior just makes you look worse.

They do vary over the years, and "ALWAYS" includes years that have high interest rates as well as low ones.Of course, it is hard to make a point in a discussion with someone who simply responds "If 20% mortgages are common I'm sure I can do well with my $800, 000." without explanation or justification.

It's not that I'm unsympathetic, just if you're moving somewhere and you already know the situation, then you should have the means to pay rent.

When someone tells me to replace a toilet, I need some justification.

You are now doing the same "not reading" that you accuse (in some cases with justification) others of doing.  

It is natural for them to create justification for their decision to invest for appreciation.