.✅ Any home built before 1980, likely has cast iron or clay sewer lines which will deteriorate over time.These issues can be avoided.

The soil here was clay so the digging even with excavators where they could use one was challenging. 

We have expansive soils here (clay that expands when it gets wet) as well as some older cast iron lines and even some orangeburg so it's common to see sewer line issues (often just some tree roots that need to be cleaned then the line re-scoped).

Quote from @Clay Monroe: I sent you a connection request, but I'd love to shake your hand and talk to you about your goals here in the San Antonio market!

Frankly I think too many people try and "automate" everything with technology that they complicate things so much that it is hard to manage.Remember you will get older folks staying and they might not want to try and use a tablet.

That particular area is known for clay deposits in the ground that can really mess up foundations.

Hi Clay,Have you been successful in finding funding for your project?

The biggest mistake new investors make is to walk a property, maybe explain in general terms what they want and then let the contractor come up with the SoW.For a bedroom this could be:- replace carpet- repair closet dooror- remove carpet- remove curtains, nails and screws- replace closet doors, entry door SKU#- replace window SKU#- refinish hardwood floors 144 sqft, clear/oil-based- prep and paint all woodwork- patch walls, texture, paint walls eggshell white clay, ceiling flat white- replace light fixture SKU#, replace lightswitch w decora/white, replace 3 outlets&covers- install blinds SKU#Obviously, the cost would be quite different.

You'd probably have to provide a company car, insurance, E&O insurance, cell phone, and laptop/ tablet also.

The main issue with rental basement is water if it has water issue usually it is a simple fix .Clean gutters ,discharge gutter  water away 10" away from foundation, make sure you foundation soil is slopped away from it .If you need to buy soil get a clay mix .Cut back any tree too close to the foundation look at the drip line that's how far the limbs are out from the tree .If all that is done still has water buy a sump pump  carry the water to day light away from foundation 10" to 15" .