Having reserves for unexpected expenses or vacancies ensures that you can weather financial challenges without compromising property ownership.Risk Management: Consider insurance options to protect your real estate investments from potential risks.

What we now have is a completely compromised heating system (2 boilers, 1 for each unit) as well as plumbing supply lines and DWV.

I've lived in a house with those crappy aluminum windows and they can let in alot of cold air not to mention sweat really bad.That price seems decent, I'd be weary of going to cheap and compromising install quality.

I do not have any plans to sign up with a PM to take 30% based on what I am looking to have done day to day -- completely agree with everyone on that point.Well then that sounds like a great compromise, especially in the beginning when you're getting your feet wet.

The property is located in Norristown Pa,  and in a compromised area in terms of security. 

But this typically requires a good relationship between you and your end buyer. 50% upfront and 50% at closing sounds like a good compromise.  

If they are compromised and need to be repaired, then that is an HOA issue and not your responsibility.

The compromise was that instead of wiring them all the money back and reclosing, I would wire the title company the money right now to redeem the ground rent ~$1200.

There are a huge number of dishonest (and downright criminal) people in real estate and I believe that most of them started down that path by making small, seemingly insignificant compromises at first. 

If it is just an ok deal, maybe it isn't worth putting yourself in a potentially compromised position.