Because it was not easy to install on cement flooring underneath the vinyl.My mistake. 

Hi Carrie,With a fourplex, I assume you are a cashflow investor in this property or using it for net worth purposes.(1) Those swapbacks are a pain to get furniture up and down.(2) Those swapbacks are a boon to out of shape people who need a rest to climb stairs.The metal with cement treads are used in many larger multi-family.

Also, I wanted to get a quote to lay a cement foundation for the shed. 

No question; fix the driveway.Use fiber reinforced concrete and it will last longer with 6" of concrete vs the 4" thickness, which is usual.Barry the resident from driving his vehicle on the new cement for 14 days.

Cemented into the ground while we can access the pond bottom. 

Question for new builders- if a lot is In a flood zone would it be required to have flood insurance if the foundation is built up, on cement blocks?

That seem obvious so I assume it is buried or encased in cement below too.

I thought maybe I could just put a drop in sink instead but that sucker is like cemented in.

Im going to be using job boxes cemented to the property and a shipping container as well as adding steel lock boxes to the bed of each truck.

The books provide a small bit of guidance and guardrails on how to do something, then I just do it and cement the learning into my brain.