I've already offered a month free rent to get them to leave, because the alternative (hiring asbestos abatement, asbestos consultants and crap) would have been much more than the rent.

I did one way back in the middle 80s in palo alto unbelievable concept but company went broke 3/4 through and I had to finish it.. the componants  windows doors appliances were all imported from Germany the guy who owned the factory Hans  cant remember his last name was from there.  

I appreciate the alternate perspective and generally agree with the sentiment.

If I were to max out my 401k, I would still fall short of the recommendations for saving and so I started to look at alternatives.

Alternative is to wait, build my personal capital, and make move locally.

Their next best alternative is a one bedroom apartment that’s like $1200-1600/mo.

Here's an alternative that you may not like but may want to consider.

I've just began to research alternative opportunities of investing and have come across hard money lending (HML). 

Other alternative is find a HVAC company with less stringent guidelines.

Sounds like a PIA but remember her alternatives are nothing better so don’t let her ride you.