I reached in my coat pocket (feeling quite secure now that I had my mace can) and warned her to step back , that I had mace and would mace her if she came closer.

Most agents are not investors, and they try to sugar coat crap for new "investors" It takes an investor to find deals, it's all in the numbers.

I would build up the posts on the bottom so they are thicker/ look more architectural?

I do this when refinishing hardwood floors and I'm putting three coats of oil based varnish/polyurethane on them.My partners father used to "swear" that by "blowing air" (by mouth) into an open can of paint and then closing the lid quickly (replacing the oxygen in the space in the can with carbon dioxide) prevented fungus from growing in the can (some also simply place a piece of Saran wrap over the wet paint to keep it from drying out).Gail 

The thicker the filter and the lower the MERV value, the longer it can usually stay in place.

We’re a Canadian couple ....Driving over on your days off might lower your anxiety.Maybe stay overnight in a motel, get your hair cut there, eat in the restaurants.Get to know a few cities well, and get to know the neighborhoods there.Talk to a few realtors and shop in the local grocery stores.After a few trips, you will know where is not safe, and where is more safe than the not safe.Also once you cross the border 911 is the call code for help if you need it, but don't expect the Red Coated Mounties in their shiny brown boots. 

The thicker the better, but 7 is the minimum I will do.  

This took about 4 hours total (2 coats) and cost about $45 (plus the appliances and door hardware)- I did it myself so the only cost was the material.

Then gave everything a coat of regular paint.All of this took about 3 weeks and several thousand dollars.

I want a thicker tax return.