Sounds like you have found out first hand the TV shows are a bit misleading when it comes to renovations and repairs. 

Unfortunately, some people present REI as easy (TV) but forget to mention to newbie that it can also be costly. 

There are a lot of shows out there in TV land that you should watch cautiously. 

Instead of tv & video games you can immerse yourself in the podcasts & webinars.

I lived without tv, in a tent for a while, had only a cell phone, sold my horses and could fill a box car in a train with all the ramen noodles I ate getting here.

We were also able to purchase adjacent blighted properties to expand parking and also control the residents in the adjacent 6 unit apartment building.We are right over 10 years of ownership on this building and have had several movies/tv shows/music videos filmed there due to the retro styling.

It's like a TV series. 

People will be willing to accept significantly longer commutes, because they can sleep, watch TV or work during the commute.

I rent out an apt/condo, I rent out the rooms.Utilities are included with the rent..When doing this it's important to put on lease your utility Caps and to be clear.For example for water my cap is $50 anything above it gets divided by 4 (each tenant)What I notice is very important to these tenants is high speed internet they typically don't even watch Cable TV.

This fall and winter, they will be treated to a refurnished master bedroom with giant flat screen TV and a new 65" UHD TV in the living room.