There were some homeless folks living on the decks in the rear of the property but the overall concern and the obvious reason why this property was not moving was the condition of the foundation.The East wall bowed out significantly but it had been reinforced.

Since becoming obsessed with REI in the last year or so I've been thinking that I really should find/start an REI specific group to reinforce my efforts.

We would leave the securing/reinforcing of the fence up to the tenants.  

The entire electrical system had also been recently (& very professionally) upgraded to 200 amp, complete with a new NG Generator.The exposed ceilings in the upper floors showed sold steel angled reinforcing of the rafters given the unusual flat roof configuration & our snow loads.

In the long run, your action on this situation will either reinforce that trust, or sour the relationship and tarnish your reputation as a good landlord.

Dillon, just to reinforce what a couple others have already said, look into a duplex, triplex, etc instead of the townhome.It will give you instant experience in real estate investing and the rental units hopefully offset or reduce your out of pocket mortgage expense.

What is the point of reinforcing all the reasons why you can't do something?  

Moody's just recognized the seriousness of Illinois' population loss and how that trend could result in a Detroit death spiral.Moody's just recognized that a "self-reinforcing cycle of population loss and economic stagnation" in Illinois (and Chicago) could lead to a Detroit death spiral.http://capitolfax.com/2017/01/05/moodys-frets-over...https://rebootillinois.com/2017/01/06/only-in-illi...From Moody's: "Population loss can be a cause, as well as an effect, of economic deterioration.

Everyone has rocks in their backpack.I find this article relieving because it reinforces the real secret to getting ahead: Work for what you want.

Pour 20 sq ft of reinforced concrete 6” thick with rebar. 3.