When dealing with a shady handyman, that's like blood in the water for sharks.In the future, you can best prevent this by not waiting till the last minute to take care of such repairs. 

I have some medical issues that prevent labor already, sometimes typing in the office is to much.

This is, in part, to prevent a buyer from finding the property then the mls listing, talking to the seller who would then “fire” their agent, and deal directly with the buyer, who found the property due to the listing agent efforts.If you ask about a specific situation, rather generalities, you may get a better answer.

Well typically you'd want to get a lawyer involved to draw up a contract, since he's your brother I'm not sure if that's what you want to do but regardless you need to agree on the terms of the business relationship beforehand to prevent any disagreements and disputes:1) Who makes major decisions (ie renovations, evictions, selecting tenants, etc.).

But there is a overflow drain built into most tubs and if working properly should prevent overflows.

Poison is a excellent preventive when used outside around the property.

If you know anything about economics, you know that increasing the rates and the tax bill HELPS the economy and prevents recession.

IMO it really is a matter of maintenance-both preventive and remedial.

I believe he is looking to handle things this way to prevent paying a bunch of tax on his gains and he actually wants to help me to be set-up to be successful.  

The hard part is preventing slow water leaks that cause mold.