Quote from @Marc Winter: After just finishing my home inspection recertification, I plugged your question into the system, heres what it said:Most likely cause: Differential movement + thermal expansionThis type of crack is commonly caused by one or more of:Thermal expansion/contraction of a long brick wall (brick expands more than people realize)Lack of control joints in the masonryMinor differential settlement between structural elements (floor line, lintel, or bond beam)Possible interaction with a floor diaphragm or window header lineHow I’d classify itCategory: Non-structural / serviceability crackSeverity: Low to moderateRisk: Usually cosmetic unless it continues to growWhat would confirm thisCrack aligns near a floor levelNo stepped “stair-step” patternNo widening at one endInterior walls at same level may show hairline cracksThe stepped / jagged, diagonal through mortar jointsWhat it looks likeStair-step pattern following mortar jointsChanges direction vertically and horizontallyLocalized area rather than full-lengthSome patched/effloresced areas nearby⚠️ Most likely cause: Foundation movement (settlement or heave)This pattern is classic for:Differential foundation settlementSoil shrink/swell (expansive clay, poor drainage)Localized footing movement (corner or bearing point)The stair-step pattern forms because masonry is weakest at mortar joints, so stress releases there.How I’d classify itCategory: Structural movement crackSeverity: Moderate (possibly increasing)Risk: Needs monitoring; may require repair beyond cosmeticWhat would raise concernCrack width > ~⅛ inchNoticeable brick displacement (one side proud)Interior drywall cracks aligning with this locationDoors/windows near this area sticking🧠 Why these two cracks have different causes (important)Even though they’re on the same wall:1. global wall movement (temperature / restraint)2.  

Once a tenant starts selling food from the home, you open yourself up to potential liability issues, health department concerns, increased foot traffic and possible violations of local zoning or lease restrictions.

Congress and the Administration passed into law:--The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act - November 2021 - $500 Billion* to $1.2 Trillion* --The Inflation Reduction Act - 2022 - $433 Billion* (congress) to $1.2 Trillion* (Goldman Sachs) (*Bil proponents claim to offset spending with $400 billion in taxes and health care savings, but a recent analysis says it will actually cost 3x what was originally predicted by Congress).

It’s also a fantastic way to learn how to manage a property and get your foot in the door without the hurdles of an investment loan and helps you build a solid foundation for future investments.

However, it is an oddball in that it has a 500 square foot vault (like think concrete bunker with steel vault door).

You could come at this kind of sideways.Find places that have the services and busineses that "income challenged" (RENTERS) like to use.Best would be if within walking distance, things like rent to own furniture, liquor stores, convenience stores, fast food - McD's Jack in the Box, 24 hour car parts, health clinics, (Bus Stops), buy here pay here car sales, a grocery store, Target, WalMart, auto repair shops, etc..Things they need and can afford.  

Starting with a single-family home or small multifamily unit, possibly using FHA or local assistance programs if you need help with down payment, is a great way to get your foot in the door without overextending.

Hello Brandon,The cost per square foot for property renovation is highly variable.

Only tap it to improve those 3 properties - and only improve if health & safety issues or if it will correspondingly increase rents.Do NOT improve the properties like you'd live in them - just, MAINTAIN TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD.Many here will try to lead you into tapping the 70% equity for additional purchases.- Without knowing what you are doing, this could be a disaster that leads to you losing everything:(Better to learn how to manage the 3 you have and IMPROVE operations to improve cashflow. 

No activity carried on within the Premises or common areas of the property willbe permitted which threatens the health, safety or property of any building occupant,or of Landlord.14.