You can’t hire a handyman over $500 (on all work - labor and material) without a license or a 1099, if something goes wrong, you lose the 15k contractors bond leverage (your safety net) as well which you could chase if this GC fails to perform the contract.

If you fear for your safety contact the authorities. 

Although not everyone is (yet) able to have the kind of control over their schedule that allows this level of prioritization on rest and focus, it is a fantastic goal to have in mind.

Lastly, if I were in your shoes, I'd put them on a M2M lease, whether it's them not prioritizing you, or straight up having money problems, it will be easier to end things this way if it comes to that!

Be focused on the #s and build in a margin of safety for yourself.

There are many many issues - including safety issues. 

With so many ideas for automation, do you have recommendations for prioritizing?

There are many, many areas of the City where what you describe (smaller back units) is normal and was oringally done.My personal approach: if the unit(s) are not atypical for the neighborhood, and there's not health and safety issues involved, I'm happy to accept the risk and operate the investment.That said, I can't think of a duplex I'd buy anywhere in the city for LT BnH for $730k unless I could re-develop the property.Good luck!

Just make sure that you make your GC have a safety program and all his workers are aware of the procedures.

First, you will get more advice by making your own thread, instead of posting on another.Second, if you know you are up to date on safety and habitability, just let the tenant know that the unit is rented as-is, and you have no plans to make upgrades at that time.