Just removing old plaster doesn't cut the mustard.

If you cannot control yourself, cut up the credit cards and use cash. 

I looked up the union city tenant law chapter 334, rent stabilization as well as all the posts in BP, but it was not clear about above questions where as other cities have more clear cut guidelines.

and costing more than I anticipated (ie, cutting into those future investment funds).

Planning is great - I never was good at that - words are easy to put down on paper - other people's ideas are fun to experiment with and can make someone new in this business feel good for awhile I guess.Over 40 years ago I can recall as if it were yesterday - I was where many of the new folks on this site are today - I was motivated to make money in real estate - had a giant desire to create a little success (the low pay awful job I had, and a jerk for a boss just wasn't cutting it  - but I had motivation - i discovered quickly that it takes more than motivation to pay the bills.So this one seminar I took the guru said "set a goal, build your team and find a mentor".OK - I set a goal to get rich in real estate - to buy one house a month and to quit my job.

Perhaps you're not cut out for what you're doing.

How big of a cut does Air bnb take from the $180/night?

broker means you can work for yourself.... salesmen you have to work under broker and cut your commissions with them

Wall Street bankers are looking at low bonuses this year, hedge fund returns are flat and some buyers of high-end real estate from China, Russia and the Middle East are cutting back.

Tim Lol that story Sounds Familiar :) Hello an welcome to BP I would recommend Joining some Meetups an your Local REIA Club in Indianapolis as my Friend Mr.Alain Stated there is a lot of great People an Opportunities on here but you will need a Mentor to guide an cut your Learning Curve Good Luck.