She is from New York so I am forcing her to move a bit further south.I am very new to real estate and unfortunately only have experience either living under my parents roof or renting from a landlord.

Drafting my business plan has forced me to stop and take a look at myself (I haven't done this much even though I know its vital - get so consumed by life, sometimes I forget to smell the coffee so to speak). 

High costs of tradesman have forced me to learn quickly.  

Dean said that is too many.I see that not only as a good thing but a GREAT thing. 1 - it's good for the community. 2- It will force the bad landlords that give the business a bad name hopefully out.

How will this impact your potential buyers? 

If push comes to shove you can force his hand and he will have to allow for the repairs.For the record his parking on the yard is probably against local codes (that's a very common code in all areas), and you could attempt to hold him liable for the repair cost associated with his "damage" to the lateral.

I am unable to get a loan as we were forced to foreclose on our first condo (bought in 2004 and foreclosed in 2012 after a job relocation).  

Plant a few pansies and your done.Buyers are going to be in full force this spring and you might create a bidding war! 

So, if there is no way to force appreciation, how are you planning on making money with this?  

It's essentially a forced savings plan.