As you mentioned, my naviens do not help much heating the basement.I heard the coils on a dehumidifier will freeze if run in the winter

You want single speed units, and heat pump units, not straight cool units.

Many winters I had to go to vacant houses with no heat and 2 feet of unplowed snow.

Aaron, Here is some general info on insuring the property that I posted previously: Here are some things to look for from an Insurance prospective:1.Any in-ground tanks (active or inactive)2.Any Knob & Tube or Aluminum Wiring3.If built before 1978, does the building have Lead Safe certifications4.Any wood stoves or secondary heating units.

It may have heat tape.  

Fleas sense your body heat and move for the quick meal.

Being a woman with no construction background, most of the work I had to hire out and it was major, foundation, double pane windows, heating system, etc.

Even if they didn’t use a moldicide the most important thing to do is to run the AC or heat to pull the moisture out of the house.

Here's a short list where I get discounts:Carpet cleaning Pest control Plummer Electrician Roofing company Air conditioning and heating company House cleaner Pool service Lawn care Flooring and carpet store Fencing company And a few handyman companies There's a bunch more but not really investor related so I won't list them. 

I'd recommend staying away from houses with fireplaces or at least plan for a new source of heat.