I am fairly handy, and I can install cabinets, countertops, toilets, replace windows and doors, etc.

On top of that both units are on a single electrical entrance and despite some of the waste lines being ABS, the toilets were all 5-gallon models from the 60s, there is one original claw-foot tub and a 1960s shower unit with a 2.5+gpm fixture.  

You will likely have to shut off the valve under the toilet tanks, most flush valves leak too much and won't allow you to build pressure in the rest of the system.  

They are not interested in real estate investing because they 'don't understand' or 'don't want to fix toilets' or 'don't want to deal with any bad people.'

They will only do 80% LTV of contract price or appraisal (whichever is less) by the letter of their policies, but on our last deal (4 months ago) the one did 80% LTV of appraised value, which came in significantly higher than contract price, giving us about $20k cash out for remodeling expenses.It is certainly a touch-and-go market with the well-established players who have good credit and a clean history still able to do deals.

Our remodeling company has seasonal ups and downs that correspond to RE seasonal changes.

I thought if I evicted her it would cost me at least 5K to go in there , remodel to get rid of 11 years worth of cigarette smoke.

The next day my tenant comes home and his toilet is not flushing and is bubbling when the other water runs.

Please keep in mind that when I was 18 I screwed my credit up, I have paid cash for all my properties, remodeled them with cash.

I do the caulking in my bedroom, fix the flush in my toilet etc.