If his opposing principal backed out of a deal because they had received a better offer or any other reason not considered “legit” by Mr Helmsley he would NEVER do business with them again.  

Unfortunately local politics often lead to policy considerations that are intended to drum up voter base appeasement as opposed to doing what's best for the municipality/city. 

Add some plants and some contrast to the exterior.

@Ryan Tongue While there’s lots of opportunities in real estate/commercial real estate I’d sit down and brainstorm with a list of the pros and cons of immediately jumping into the real estate industry as opposed to pursuing a job with your engineering degree.

They bought the home and have had no complaints to my knowledge.With regards to wet basements and crawl spaces, many times the simple solution is to correct drainage around the exterior.

If the seller is still on the property after you close (you negotiated delayed possession), I wouldn't be opposed to doing exterior work (roof, landscaping, concrete, etc.), but I wouldn't do any interior work.

Some of the properties could be better off in both exterior condition, as well as units rented (which is currently probably at around 50% or less). 

I’ve always done really well buying smaller things like saws and hand held equipment as opposed to renting.

You haven't shared all the numbers, but if that 2nd position note could be at 70% LTV and below and with a shorter say 12 month duration then it's comparatively low risk as opposed to 100% financing for a purchase.

If the walls were damaged enough to require patches as opposed to just filling small holes or if an entire wall or the room needed to be repainted entirely then I would charge for that.