Fresh off the press:http://abc7.com/technology/california-energy-commission-approves-requirement-for-solar-panels-on-new-homes/3450672/

You can fill in the cracks in the brick or repoint the joints so that it looks fresh again, but this would be required periodically as the cracks will eventually reappear.In the bottom photo, the crack in the corner might have been avoided by tying the two walls together with some steel reinforcing or overlapping the bricks. 

A lot of the "newbies" that call me are fresh out of some course or seminar and try to sell me properties that make no financial sense whatsover.

Banks will do 5 year terms all day but it's a crap loan they are selling.Yes interest rate is low.If you build in refi costs in 5 years and the worst case scenario for higher debt service and you are still okay then you can go for it.Most of my clients prefer 10 or 15 year term and a slightly higher interest rate that they bake in to buying at a lower sales price.I wouldn't like a big chunk of debt service hanging over in 5 years.

I jumped on BP this morning freshly motivated in my endeavors, and searched the forum for motivation. 

Some are fresh out of college with no experience in purchasing a home.

They won't bake the cookies for you (for your showing), but will let you know you should.I agree, a good agent is worth (or should be worth) every penny they earn.

I would cut your loses and forget about the mentor.Once you start fresh, forget about the multi-family units for now.

I would say just make the property look fresh and clean, then rent it out. 

They rest are as follows:Monthly $Flow - I want this to be positive, but am ok with a slightly negative number given I've baked in maintenance and CAPEX already.Cost/SqFt - Should be in line with the marketY5 Ttl Return - This helps to compare properties against each other 5 years from now.