In my market minimum wage is $7.25/hour entry level wages are in the $12-18 range for labor intensive jobs like working in a warehouse.

There were pros and cons to this, but the biggest outcome is that Architecture, while being very overhead intensive, education intensive and having significant professional liability is one of the lowest paid "professions".

However, if I can find someone to take me under their wing and make myself an asset to them, then I think it will work out.

Work out a payment plan, put it in on a credit card, but get the thing replaced! 

As a hard money lender who works with many investors in the Portland area, I can share some insights on maintenance costs for multifamily properties in this market, though individual experiences may vary:Lots of investors report a slight decrease in maintenance costs during winter months, bc of:- Fewer landscaping needs - Less wear and tear on HVAC systems (as heating is generally less intensive than summer cooling)- Reduced tenant turnover in winterWinter-specific issues can arise:- Potential roof repairs due to heavy rain or occasional snow- Gutter cleaning and maintenance to prevent water damage- Heating system repairs or maintenancePortland-specific factors:- The mild climate helps reduce extreme weather-related maintenance issues. - Older housing stock in some areas may require more upkeep. - Strict local regulations can also sometimes increase compliance-related maintenance costsCost-saving strategies I've seen help:- Preventative maintenance programs can help reduce overall costs obviously - Some investors report success with in-house maintenance teams for larger portfolios- Energy-efficient upgrades can help reduce utility costs in the long runYour specific costs will depend on factors like the age and condition of your properties, your management style, and the specific neighborhoods you're invested in, but hope this helps!

That sounds intense. 

Having an operating agreement with protections for you are essential, and making sure to run good numbers and having a solid plan in place are what you'd need for this to work out.

I have gone down the path of painting a few times and it is quite labor intense and with that not cheap, it has to bone REALLY well - prep-work, primer, coat finish, the right products etc otherwise you get crap results.

Hope things work out for you with the syndicators.

And more often than not, it doesn't work out.