Roofs need extra layering material (to protect from all the ice and snow), many plumbing systems use cast-iron drains (which are tougher to tie into than PVC), many houses actually have wells for water (ours used to, and now we have to abandon it properly), electrical codes are different (this should actually help us), etc.

I recommend adding sewer and drain back up.

Prepayment of this mortgage after ten years would reduce the total interest payout by at least 50%.Without the burden of a mortgage, the improved cash flow can be a motivating factor to pay early.Disadvantages:Paying off a mortgage balance can drain a savings or investment account and require starting over to rebuild them.Financial advisors explain that lost opportunity costs represent the potential benefits an individual can miss by paying off a mortgage early.

More time consuming (and therefore expensive) but still doable.By the way, in a house that has been empty with the water off for 2 years there are going to be muliple leaks at every faucet, toilet and drain.

Rental property is a money drain, unable to sell even at discount, banks say no to loan mod.

If the building still has knob-n-tube, you may have troubles with insurance.Similarly the plumbing could contain lead or galvanized pipe - both of which you will want to budget it replace - on the supply side and galvanized, cast iron or clay on the drain.  

Probably better to have an LLC that appoints you as a manager if she is worried about you draining her bank accounts.

I feel like I am throwing my money down the drain. should I try to foreclose;and get some money

A general inspector recommended that we have a cast iron drain pipe to the sewer scoped buy a specialist.

Here's what I gleaned as a summary of hardening tips for reducing turnover/maintenance costs:panasonic bath fans with timers in bathrooms4 coats of poly on wood floorsdouble door stopstile floors, showers vs surroundssingle lever shower valve vs. doublereplace toilets with steel parts/mechanicals whenever it starts to runKwikset smart keys (some debate over efficacy)door stoppers on all hingesremove pop-up drains and replace with commercial drains2' drain lines from sinks with an accessible clean outbuy a key cutter - maker for $50 on craigslistGranite tile counters - need a diamond polisher and tile sawUsed Fixed vs. friction shower rodsKeyed deadbolt and passage knob on outside doors to prevent accidental lockout5/8' fire core drywall - can't put a fist thru it and its fire-resistant1/4" board to back up towel rodspolyurethane cabinets under sink to pre seal and drain water to the floor2x4 base under cabinets to prevent particle board cabinets from failing where they meet the floorVinyl scrap under sink and up the back wallBest of luck!