That is the danger - one person's opinion is just that an opinion;  someone's comfort zone, what they are used to/familiar with etc.

How will you vet these strangers and have a high level of confidence that you are not putting your family in danger for an extra $1000/year?

From all I've heard it can be dangerous  This and  to own too many rent houses.

Summary: 3 choices:(A) leave as is, slowly increase rents to market levels (while saving for boiler explosion)(B) overhaul electric, maintain rents(C) best of A&B, keeping the boiler system in service and paying for some heat usageThoughts?

Mr Cardone who is real estate guru take the cash 98% from friend and relatives, just 2% from others.There is an important point which no one pointed out in this fourm, which assest diversity, it is so dangerous to put all the cash on one industry like real estate, because like any industry, there is good and bad time.

Here is a report from FEMA and the US Fire Administration that details the fire/explosion danger which you can cite to support your PM. https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/electronic_cigarettes.pdf

We are born with a fear of falling and we run from danger. 

Most VA loans are used by people with little to NO reserves and that is dangerous!!  

., I agree with you 100% - but I've just been wondering if it's actually as dangerous as I make it seem in my mind.

I can't imagine a more frustrating and dangerous scenario than to try to invest in an unfamiliar area that meets your financial proformas but where you don't know anybody, have access to on and off market opportunities, have relationships with trades people and property managers.