So my real estate goal is to have at least a dozen SFH of decent quality at early retirement age(55) to carry me to full retirement(62) without having to have excessive early withdrawal penalties.

I have had the bank state in a letter that I had in excess of a certain amount of money on deposit and available for withdrawal.

I've listed below the order I plan to attack things in, let me know if this sequence makes sense:Resolve excess moisture under house (minor grading issue, gutter required, possible plumbing leak)Repair minor roof leaks (repair flashing, seal leaks around chimney, replace tree-damaged shingles)Trim trees away from houseInstall 50 concrete piers and level foundation (foundation had work done previously but shifter due to excess moisture)Install vapor barrierAdd structural roof support beams in attic, add insulationRepair rotten siding/soffit/window frames (mostly upstairs)Repair porch (replace rotten boards, sand & paint)Paint exteriorInstall central AC/Mini-split system (any recommendations on this?)

The more time you get guys will look out for you(at least where I work)I saved as much as I could in 457 plan 401b and excess pension payments.

In my opinion, anything above $250 is excessive. 

If you don't have any other investment you want to embark on with your excess fund that would be generating some sought of income for you on the side, I am sure your best bet is to go for 20% downpayment on your real estate purchase because it helps you build equity really fast and if due diligence is properly followed in the purchase strategy then you can be rest assured of stable and steady cashflow. 

If she is having excessive visitors causing issues or more ware and tear on the property you may need to not renew her lease at some point.Remember you do not take anything anyone says at face value, not tenant or neighbours.

We have hotels where we had excess frontage land that we leased out.

This is what we look for regarding credit history.FINANCIAL/CREDIT HISTORY1.No outstanding debt to previous rental property owners.2.No outstanding debt to utility companies.3.No outstanding debt in excess of $1000 that is not in a payment plan.4.No excessive monthly financial obligations - more than 20% of income.5.Lack of credit history or marginal credit history may result in additional security deposit. 6.Derogatory credit (past due accounts, collections, charge off accounts, tax liens, judgements in excess of $1000 and/or bankruptcy) may result in additional security deposit or denial.

I still think that a french drain system would help to channel excess water down to a city storm/sewer drain, and I'm thinking that as long as the backyard is not muddy, and the foundation of the house is not affected, then I don't worry about it, right?