I have been involved in many foundation repairs and we get the improved foundation up to as good or better than new.

@Ayanna Donovan The way you describe the process is off and that's probably the reason why you are having so much difficulty.

Sorry to be a wonk, but the reason is that many expenses are semi-variable.

Or there are properties with reasonable views but don’t have a pool.

I haven’t found any fines yet, but once the city is back on its feet, I'll follow up on that.

One more great reason to have a great accountant guiding you like these folks posting above!!

In fact, many of their stories, just relied on, picking up a few investments in solid areas, taking care of them, and holding onto them for a long time. 

Also see if you can pull up rental  and sold comps in the area using Zillow and Redfin and you have to give a   margin of error in their estimates and see if property appreciation is there for that area in case you are thinking of building equity.

Do you like it, or is it something you’re just putting up with for now?

Every asset you mention, you have a side reason why it won't work.