I provided the convenience of storing 2 boxes in the garage to a tenant before they moved in and it was the biggest mistake.

I have entertained the idea of getting my real estate license (so we could be saving money on our buys and sells) as well as helping take care of the odds and ends errands that eats into my husband’s time (running to stores for materials, fixtures, etc.).

The web address should be in my signature below.

Go hang out at a hardware store at like 6 in the morning that is when the contractors come into by their stuff. 

I think you should expose the individual or company so other investors know not to use them.Good luck as you untangle this web

Store for 30 days (or what MN law says), attempt to notify tenant, then can do with what you want after.

If the seal is leaking, get a rubber ring from a box store (wax rings are old school and wear out) and you will never have to deal with it again.

Garages are usually for storing vehicles and other stuff, not entertaining your boss.

Store the receipts with the transactions.  

There's nothing you can do to improve how the stock market behaves).Cons:Requires effort (stock market, you just buy some mutual funds on the web and then there's nothing else to do)Follow the IRS rules regarding prohibited transactions (when investing in the stock market, you have no opportunity to violate those rules).