First, I would not start renos until it is closed unless you are doing something simple like painting. 

we have changed out the carpet and paint as the tenant moved out, replaced the roof, and built a fence in the back What was the outcome?

May become more than a dusty tool again someday.Joe sounds like he didn't give a rip about you but I don't know think I'd consider it a scam.

In a down market, you’ve painted yourself into a corner.It’s not at all impossible to encounter a scenario where the pref tranche gets their entire return, while common equity suffers a 100% loss.  

Two codes of specialized paint for order control, not the regular Home Depot paint, were necessary.

. #3 $2500 for painting (assuming interior) is incredibly low unless you're doing the work yourself.

Or if you have crazy old paint that really should be redone anyways.

One demanded we paint the interior the color they wanted or they wouldn't renew their lease.8) MoveOut damages typically exceed their security deposit. 

Updated kitchen, bath, floor, appliances, paint, backyard.

I used to wash cars in the summer, paint fences and mow lawns.