The 10-year-old house on the other hand may be getting to the point where the HWH needs to be replaced, the exterior needs paint, the fir (cheaper than cedar but not decay-resistant) trim boards are starting to show rot as the caulk cracks, the builder-grade windows are fogged and the skylights are leaking.

I also would like to do a lot of the work myself, at least demolition, framing, electric (my father is a trained electrician), insulation, wood flooring, trim, etc. and my father has most any of the equipment I would need, but financially I would like to be independent of him.What are the best ways to get started and to find funding without a lot of money on hand?

Walls, trim, doors, ceilings. 

This forms the basis of our contract later on and is the reference point for which we go off to understand we have specific expectations for level of trim/ performance overall.

When the new Congress comes in, should they begin trimming back on Social Security Disability and other similar programs, finding ways to deal with student debt, banking regulations, etc. what effect is that going to have on the real estate market?

Sometimes it's because of health problems or other issues, and we step in and do the lawn and trimming with out equipment once or twice.

Windows, doors, paint, cabinets, flooring, trim, countertops, sinks, showers, etc. etc.

Seriously brother - don’t go to a housing court - they are going trim off landlord eyebrows there and spit on your firstborn - even if you had good reason to evict.

You could be putting the same time and energy into a new place or other deal that would generate money each year that you would put into trimming your loss on your current place.

This also allows one to trim how much money they invest in cash.