@Michele Fischer Thats a great point, one good MFH could save on expenses and headaches as opposed to several okay SFHs.

In the properties I take care of in the area I've found you can have better luck setting expectations of rent from the start of a lease, as opposed to when you inherit a tenant.For example, we require that tenants pay the rent via direct debit or online.

A way to avoid this in the future is to not allow mounting to the exterior of the house. 

Will include new kitchen, new bath, complete window/door package and exterior redesign to convert 50's home into a contemporary, quintessential Venice beach rental.Thank you in advance for your help.Colin 

Some cities are much better suited for long term buy and hold as opposed to flipping or development deals.

The best thing to do is to waterproof the exterior basement wall or repair the existing exterior drainage that is going to the sump pump. 

Below grade is cheaper because you can pour cement walls as opposed to building 2 x 4's with insulation siding sheathing etc. second, below grade usually has a higher risk of water penetration thus making it a less desirable space.

The areas between Waterloo, E 156th and E 185th are quite stable and I'd even consider living there as opposed to just investing there.

Not of that is an issue with a quality interlocking shower surround.Finsihed basement with rec room, home office, bathroom and laundry area:While the exterior of the house was in good shape the yard and the driveway needed some attention:The project was scheduled for 7 weeks to completion and we went two weeks over.

However since she has 5 years until retirement this is what she is asking 25k when we agree to the deal .The house needs Furnace , Hot water heater , interior and exterior Painting ,additional insulation in the attic .septic tank pumped out .