If you intend to hook it up it would be smart to make sure it is not blocked either by tree roots or crushed at some point underneath the lawn or someone poured cement down it or something like that.

This was a 20' x 40' by 8' deep pool.

I can't even begin to tell you how valuable that time was in getting the most up-to-date info on the industry and doing a deep dive into what to look for, how to analyze deals, how to run facilities, rate management, etc.

If you are holding long-term you can do a cash-out refinance, but unless you really buy it for a deep discount or do huge value-add with little money, you probably won't get all of your money out of the project.

Deep Breath - Always good advice.

I think some of your exit strategies could be to reposition and add some unique features to your rental to attract more renters and potentially drive a higher price, 1031 exchange and move it to a different area or even market.

It can drive you crazy if you let it.

That said, these days most good contractors are so busy you might be deep in line trying to get one to run a project. 

Despite them all being deep blue tenant friendly cities, they are also the engines of wealth creation in this country and therefore over a long period (20+ years) are likely to outperform everything else.At the end of the day, you need to come up with an investment thesis you believe in.

We know there are multiple venues to get the leads, some very costly others not, some demanding tremendous effort (like going door by door, driving for dollars , or making thousands of cold calls etc.) , others not so much (mass mailings, for instance).