He charged $30/lb of 410a and $200 for brazing (welding) the leak. 

During the inspection, the AC was found to be running poorly (12 degree temperature from outside to inside) and the unit apparently ices up.

Deborah BurianThe building science site has many useful case studies and even though many of them were conducted in the more humid environment of New England, the temperature swing from winter to summer will be comparable.When you say the house does not have a vapour barrier at the exterior wall, do you mean house wrap (tar paper in those days) or an actual vapour barrier (which should be on the warm side of the wall)?

Because its a thermoplastic membrane with heat welded seams, its actually the best product to stand up against ponding water.

Welding and installing structural steel and non-structural steel and sheetmetal actually.

We use a lock box and I have WiFi thermostats that I can control temperature when no one is there.If I moved further away I would just need to set up a cleaner and someone to maintain the yard and could still easily keep doing the property management.Key is to get a good support staff in your area.

(Although even south of the border it is far from easy).Not saying it's not possible - but just letting you know the temperature of the water before you jump in.

What I do see in my biz is a lot of remote working people discovering the Midwest and the lower cost of living - and the cooler temperatures. 85F is a hot day here in summer.

It is sad that they had to sleep in that temperature while on vacation.

My father owns a welding company and can build us one which will save us some money.