We barely make it to pay everything, we have no extra money to invest.

Blinds in a home by itself do not appear to be an unreasonable request and actually, you want to consider adding just as an extra amenity. 

I would hope the extra two weeks of holding costs wouldn’t kill your margins.

Hypothetical numbers... if we had $50,000 of "extra" depreciation after accounting for all profits in our real estate, could we then use that $50,000 against $150,000 of income from our insurance business?   

I am considering turning an extra space into a short term rental and am considering a Saniflo macerating toilet. 

my parents have found a tenant to move in May 1 - however the remodeled basement is not permitted... can the tenant still move in while they wait for permits as long as we show the paperwork is in and now waiting on town to confirm??? 

Everything from funding permits, zoning to dealing with construction companies could be an issue. 

They just want an extra $450 to do the loan is what it is. 

Are you going to be able to get a building permit without doing a proper conversion?

If you think you can only get $200/month extra from the rent... that's not a lot of room for error, should something go wrong or get broken and needs replacement.