Also I am connected to many men in the trades which could lower my cost and help me or give me knowledge. sewer line to street may have roots in it and potentialy may need to be replaced or snaked.

So what you want to do is take a single family house (where a renter could maybe occupy for $3,000-5,000 a month) and turn it into two $1.25m condos (making up numbers) that will be bought by people that wouldn't be renting rundown apartments.I know what you're saying, you are creating permanent homes for people who want to invest in the city and put down roots as opposed to more transient renters.

Currently considering offering services helping investors, real estate agents, their clients etc estimate their painting costs for the properties they are looking to purchase/invest in (or for any other situation they need pricing).I would be an independent 3rd party, no rooting interest. 

Who knows.Removing the tree:* Eliminates risk in a storm* Eliminates potential issue of roots damaging the drain field (though this would have been an issue decades ago)* Eliminates maintenance trimsAlso good terms with the neighbors means they'll likely allow me access to their backyard when I need to stain/seal the fence, and our yards have a line of railroad ties at the boundary, mine from the previous owner.

Since there's more going on here that needs attention, I would explore the root cause of what brought the tenant to this point.

I think tourism will continue to grow which does not directly impact real estate but does intrigue people to move here (Alaska overall), or at least try a 6 month rental to try to plant some roots.

However for someone with young kids looking to lay roots in a community and still have an investing career, how pragmatic is approach?

Many foundation problems have water as a root cause - be that infiltration in a crawl space, drainage around the site, cracked sewer line or water line.

@Charlie Moore We do a full video walk-thru on every property our clients write an offer on...always starting in the basement or crawl if available...we look atFoundation for signs of deterioration of damage, or signs of water intrusion or settlingHot water tank or boiler...basically just age and general condition hereHVAC/Duct work...age of system and type of duct work...looking for asbestos wrapped joints as well...and possible code issue with gas linesElectric panel- to make sure its updated and there are no obvious issues...Floor joist to make sure none are sagging or crackedExterior we look at all componentsRoof- general age and number of layers if its shingleGutters and downspouts- for damage and drainage...water needs to get away from the house and foundationSoffit/Fascia- for obvious damage or wood rotSiding- general condition and damageWindows and doors- general condition and functionGrading/drainage..porches and sidewalksTree location and possible root damageInteriorGeneral condition of flooring and walls/ceilings for any damage or defectsElectrical fixturesPlumbing- supply and drain lines...as well as condition of fixtures (faucets and shower/bath)Proper ventilation for ranges/stoves/bathrooms with no windowWobbly, leaking or broken toiletsCondition of appliances if availableAtticVentilation through ridge vent or whole house fanRafters/trusses in good shapeRoof decking for signs of damage or water intrusionLevel of insulationHazardous materialsAsbestos Underground storage tanksOh, and make sure the door bell works ;)This is just a first pass before we decide to go for inspection where we'll get more detailed...looking at all this stuff usually takes 15 minutes...pretty easyGlad to chat more...there is a lot not covered here

If you have multiple vacants that is most likely the root.