Got an inspection report done and it noted a few panels that might have needed replacing (nothing to serious), but once we started opening things up, we realized minor patchwork won't work.

The more I think about it, the more I realize that a Solo 401k is probably not an option for me because I will not have self-employment income. 

I realize that there are some wonderful committed owners out there, but there are also some amazing PMs.

Consult your tax advisor.You realize all I literally had to do was Google "irs airbnb active", scroll down and find their position in a Memorandum.Strong language makes weak arguments but you missed that lesson.

Once they realized what happened they lawyered up  this was a extremely valuable property  we paid almost 200k for it in the early 80s which was a monster sum in those days for a tax sale.. the chances of this happening again are remote and like I said very few improved properties ever sell .. so unless your talking about putting a well and or septic on a property I would not worry about improving them.. or having the sale over turned etc. its the title companies that just dont want to take the risk on these for any any reason..

Taking the emotions out of the working relationship -  that is, my 'sympathy'for  his dad being greedy and thus losing jobs left and right because his dad insists on masquerading as a contractor despite being just a handyman limited to CA CSLB statutes that strictly limit all handymen in the state from being compensated more than what's left of $500 after materials - I realize I have reiterated with son on several occasions that CSLB limits handymen to $500 per project as the maximum for both materials AND labor per project IS the basis for fairness.I realize being told that the above (current CSLB limits )isn't 'fair' is a huge slap n the face after having given formerly father, and now currently and ongoingly the son for the past 11 months and change, steady work.Perhaps it's a sign of the times where even handymen and jobbers would rather sit around making no money than taking what they feel is 'less' pay than they could be making 'if they were' a contractor?

And I also realized that I wouldn't make a claim unless I had a major loss anyways, as it'd likely make my premium skyrocket (and would perhaps make the provider not want to renew at the end of the year).

These you are either going to be in them for 5+ years or get out now.If you are ok being in them very long term and continuing to drop cash in them, then thats ok, but realize its gonna get worse before it gets better. 

I think they just do not realize that you are looking out for YOUR property as long as you are carrying.Congrats on the 17 years.

We prefer tenants to realize this is strictly for damages and not to be confused with last months rent at move out.