I never want to be the one to dissuade anyone from pursuing their dreams, but Phoenix is as hot a market as it is temperature in the summers. 

We decided that I would weld in 3" angle brackets that would span past the bad sections to restore its strength.

So don't try to justify that you don't need the AC because renters seem to have a 15* black hole of temperature range that most people call normal.Check craigslist for technicians.

Recently finished school for welding and I'll be starting my career next week.

Also, they allow you to tailor the temperature of each "zone" individually. 

Or is your area fairly mild temperature wise all year round?

Typically an inspector would not test the A/C system if the ambient temperature is below 50 degrees which could be the case in Feb/Mar in Utah.

Even in my own house, I've had pipes start and stop leaking depending on the time of year (temperature causes expansion/contraction as I'm sure you know). 

Hi there. I've been interested in REI since I can remember and just haven't had the insight or knowledge to get things started. I am a motivated individual that sees all sorts of opportunity out there. I just don't kn...

The HVAC guy gave me a few options:1) Bare Bones $5000 - It will keep the place cool for roughly 8 years2) "Old Reliable" $7,500 - It cools, and is known for 15+ year life and a 10 year warranty3) Bells & Whistles $10,000 - High efficiency (we won't pay the electricity on this place), Variable speed comfort (it basically can adjust how much air it blows so that your house is at a constant temperature), can be connected with the "smart home" system so I can change the temperature or lock/unlock the door from my smartphone, have security cameras, connect the smoke detector etc.