If there is a way for 2nd floor to go directly to the basement, you might be better off putting the setup there.Other items to consider--who pays for the water/sewer? 

On Monday you have 3 water heaters lined up for employees .$500 material and $500 labor each Plumbers get paid $30 an hour in this scenario .Instead of doing 3 jobs that day .

Then there are issues with water bill,electrical bill, and probably other bills that haven't been paid in years besides for minimum.

You can spend 10-35k on just water proofing and water mitigation.

Does the rent include any utilities like water that might increase?

For those of you that are not familiar- digging a well can effectively eliminate your water bill.

One that fulfills one of Maslow's basic needs (food, water, shelter) or one that doesn't?

I don't want schedule a time every month for SDG&E to come check the meter for the neighbor's water bill.

Water is all shared on the same meter.

I have been reading that hardwood is not great for kitchens (especially in rentals) because water can ruin hardwood floors, especially if spills/pee/etc. are not quickly cleaned up (a very possible scenario depending on the tenant).