When I see rust eating at welds like this I wonder how much of the problem comes from the management company (Rust never sleeps).A maintenance tech scheduled for some time with a wire brush and some Rustoleum could have saved this expensive cement tread stairway.Now it a welder (if it's salvageable) and the Rustolem, plus the cost to construct that ugly unpainted wood bridging system, and tear it down.And despite all of the drama that's going on, Mrs Kitty still has her favorite spot in the shade next to her food and water--a natural foe to garbage rats.

I was not able to buy a duplex, triplex, or quadruplex since the mortgage would've been more expensive, but it was my first idea. 

you will want Handyman insurance, and as @Glen Morrow stated, you will not be allowed to pull permits, per state law, you would need a contractors license to pull permits, and technically to do work on a 1-2 family dwelling. to get the license you need to complete a 12 hour training, and pass a test, and have appropriate insurance, Quite expensive insurance at that.

This is a business at the end of the day.I don't walk into a Lambo dealership and expect them to hear my sob story as to why I need a more expensive car over a KIA that I can afford.

Getting your Real Estate license is a great idea for flipping houses you will be able to save 2.5-3% when you buy (if listed on MLS) but definitely when you sell which is a nice added cushion in case unexpected expenses come up especially when starting out!

More expensive because you couldn’t use the old foundation.Hard pass and don’t look back. 

It’s frankly worse than 2008 products and the word expensive doesn’t describe it.

I'm not looking to sue people and get tied up in expensive litigation fees but is it something I should consider?

I'm bringing in temporary rental housing to cover expenses while investigating building the first permanent home.

@Seana Yates While people structure partnerships anyway that they find acceptable, here are some concepts to consider:Your "sweat equity" is great because it saves you in expenses.