He refuses to let me evict the amount of section 8 tenants that makes the building more profitable while maintaining a safety net. 

I understand the sense of safety and security a paid off house brings you, but frankly I’d rather have a mortgaged house and a boat load of cash in the bank.

The Structural bracing, lateral loads, snow drift, etc. require a higher safety factors.

We also argue about how there are many things in the basements that if tampered with could cause a safety issue for them and their neighbors such as the heating and hot water systems.

I would focus on cash flow and select a rental property where there is a margin of safety between what your mortgage payment is and the estimated rental rate.  

B) Recommend protecting the kitchen and bathroom outlets withGFCI type for safety.6) PLUMBING: A) The water supply pipes are galvanized, copper and plastic.

I'm looking at replacing the gas heater with a newer Rinnai heater for the safety concern of using half a dozen space heaters.

One day its the fridge, next AC, next bathroom fixtures, unless they are paying top dollars and you can afford to upgrade their life, its better not to fix it unless it is a safety issue or broken (and sometimes tenets purposely break it because they want a new one). 

I would do nothing beforehand except obvious safety concerns-broken windows and loose or missing rails.

Where would you think is the best state to invest for longevity/safety/limited environmental issues like flooding, tornadoes, extreme heat etc aren't a problem?