I try to only do one bigger project to help maintain a budget, but doing this as a regular practice has been very effective in improving the overall quality of my rental units as well as vastly reducing service related issues.As an example, a recent 1 BR we made ready to rent had an older multi-piece shower unit in a bathroom with older sheet vinyl flooring.

Every meeting I have attended has yielded at least one (if not several) pieces of useful information and/or a connection.

For all of 2013 I had  three pictures printed out on a piece of paper and taped on the wall next to my computer where I sat every day.  

I drew papers of a piece of property today for my friend “Hood” which in 1846 cost him five dollars.

. - $400 for finished room. moldings white, walls linen white, ceiling whitekitchen 12X12, install cabinets – 14 pieces, laminate countertops, connect plumbing, lay durock on top of vinyl flooring and 18X18 tiles, install ¼ drywall on top of plaster walls, install one door, float and paint throughout  $2500 for a complete kitchen Install 6 doors $200 for the job.

She helped us with the kids while my husband and I went back to school and the kids and Grandma had a wonderful time growing and learning with each other and we had peace of mind.Plus my Mom was a great lady ... so that really helped.I know your situation is a bit of a different  but still many valuable pluses that have already outlined... piece of mind, helping them and them helping you.

I want to get this one here http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Access-Panel/2339574Its not the exact piece for the furnace, but every online store I find it at I get an email from them saying the order is cancelled because they don't have one.This is the actual piece that fits the furnace I have but it doesn't have a picture and I think it would be harder to find.Vest access panel (champagne) S1-07319862031 http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Vest-Access-Panel-Champagne/2339573

You have all the pieces available for you...just not in place yet,  I agree with @Jeff McCaskey as far as other markets.  

My suggestion is to take a piece of each pipe to a legit plumbing supply house and ask them (and buy the supplies there). 

Although, everyone above has done a very good job of answering this questions, I'll put in my two cents.The stock market will freak out and overreact to every piece of news that comes out of there.