Probably not the cheapest solution and I don't know the tenant base but you could put a 4-5' deep porch across the front with an awning/roof, maybe a metal roof since its Texas I assume.

Or 3) if you just want to extend a raised counter from the back of the base cabinets, I've recently discovered some angled metal extensions at Ikea (in the table-leg pick up area - (I guess because they're very short, 6" or so, little angled table legs LOL).  

You run the output of the boiler coil into the WH, so in winter the input is already hot and the tank is mainly storage, and you've great decreased the recovery time, making more hot water available for the tenants. 

I kick myself for once opening up a stud bay per floor of nasty cement on metal lathe for risers in units on one side of a building, when on the other side a later electrician just fished the riser up through the plumbing chase and put the panel in a much better location.

Also, many refrigerators that have their cooling coils in the rear will require some space for air to flow over those coils; such refrigerators can't have their backs directly against the wall if they are to properly operate.

Of course I rarely if ever would actually physically do this I would hire a clean out crew. but to save those expense's and dump fee's the garage sale works wonders.I just looked at one today.. it was a 100 by 130 metal building literally stacked to the rafters ( 30 feet tall.) with all manner of care machines metal bikes trikes snow mobiles jet ski's campers.

You want the one that has a coil of cable and a motor, not the short hand powerd ones.

I would qualify such a person just the same as any new tenant, and see if they met all my rental criteria.

No need to tie into the rest of the house, since there are units that can be used just to condition (heat and cool) a small space like that.I believe that the electrical wiring can be surface mounted in channels or in conduit or in metal jacketed cable, but those aren't as visually attractive as being behind a wall.You want this to be living space - anything in particular (family room, office, etc)?

wether it be gold/silver other precious metals and stones, foreign currencies, stocks, investing in a small company, running your own business, how are you guys making your money outside of the 9-5 and real estate investing?