It's not the proper role of government to dictate what I use my personal property for so long as it doesn't infringe upon the rights of others. 

If one of the above words are part of one's core values, they will dictate the proper course of action to take.

One contractor even came back after almost a year to put in the GFI they said they were doing and didn't do.You can search your area or state laws to see what they dictate and govern to the contractors.I will say recent experience with the big-box stores Home Depot and Lowes told me that I would have to pay in full.

If company policy dictates firm adherence to the contract, then why did you and Alan keep me waiting on a refund proposal for 6 months?

Since you said you guys are newbies, I'd imagine work would dictate where you move since your "empire" is not yet established. 

I agree that the market should dictate where each type of strategy is employed.

You'd have to make sure you can hit your numbers with long term rents if your usage is ultimately dictated by an HOA.

@Colin Careygreat question - and here's the answer: the rehab doesn't dictate the ARV, the comps do. 

And I certainly believe in most cases we should not let our fears dictate our actions, as this most often leads to inaction.  

Jay Account Closed is correct in his assertion that the neighborhood surrounding your property will dictate whether you should upgrade to hardie or not.