you got ripped off.I use kwikset, buy new keys/pins from ebay for $8, change the pins, have one key for all locks in the house.only takes a few minutes.I might upgrade to kwikset smartkey deadbolts in the future.

One of the best moments of my life was when I made a conscious decision to start building my family's future through real estate.

I'm due for an upgrade in office space in the next year, anyway.

What seems like a downgrade to others, is an upgrade to me.

Imo, you bought the house, made some money because of equity and upgrades (assuming), so enjoy it.

3) If the latter, does anyone know what I can expect as far as a cost for insurance on property that is not fire code compliant, which will also be delivered vacant as I am doing upgrades to the units prior to re-renting?

I've spent a lot of money on upgrades that weren't necessarily needed, but the thought of someone even having a slight chance of getting injured on my property was worth doing the work.

Upgrades of 10k. 

The $300/yr is cheaper than removing the oil system and upgrading to NG.

So let's see that will mean I am down 10x $750 in rent. 5,000 in fire upgrades and who knows what in damage at the end.