That is not a benefit for you, nor any kind of evidence that they are worthy of becoming a resident.That issue aside, I would not allow someone with a recent eviction on my property unless the "unfortunate circumstance" was unlikely to recur AND they otherwise have a strong historical track record of making payments AND they would put down a very large security deposit.

I am kind of new to real estate investing as I got lucky the first two times but now I am looking to invest quite a bit more money and I am slightly terrified. 

If they agreed to that, then the clause appears to be fulfilled assuming the lessor approved the quality of work.The entire clause is kind of sorry in the way it's put together and reeks of amateurish property management by an owner.

Logging is always an option.. what kind of timber ? 

Hard money, which is most commonly from an institutional lender (either a broker with a white label setup or a lending firm), is generally available, but you will need to meet experience requirements to obtain funding from these kinds of lenders.

With that kind of sentiment from the city, the application to build a 6.9 million square foot expansion of the Hoffman Town Center, which is what the lots are all currently zoned for, is highly likely to be approved by the end of the year, possibly pushed to 7.6 million square feet, and will be completed over the next decade.

In terms of getting priced out here, what kind of house hacking strategies have you looked into?

What kind of down payment can you put down?

And with the example you used of being able to save 100k per year, do you really think that there’s gonna be that much stress relief from a paid off mortgage when you’re making kind of money?

The main property will be my primary residence.My biggest question is, what kind of foundation would you use, (that is to code and will pass inspection/permits in Charlottesville) that is either relatively easy DIY or cheap to outsource.