But the next comment is "Repair or modifications to the stairway would likely not be practical."

As a California investor, I admit that for all practical purposes, my properties are break even.

This is not a new concept or practice, but the agent is being secretive about it for some reason, which is not good.  

If you read Million Dollar Agent, Gary Keller emphasizes obtaining listings as the primary focus to building your practice. 

Also about Dodd Frank, it's better to talk to a practicing real estate attorney.

At the end of the year charge/refund the difference in the actual charges.Use the previous method but break out utilities for the units on each shared meter instead of the total cost for all meters.Break up each bill as it arrives. and divide it by units on the meter This would add a lot of overhead to the work load.For water, gas and trash service I think it would be acceptable to share the costs based on sqft.I just dont know what the common practice is and my experience isn't in commercial offices.

During inspection a tenant said they kept the windows open because the building always got too hot, no regulators on the boiler.   

Buy the Tenants and Toilets course from Fixer Jay Decima and the Rental Management course from Mike Cantu.Learn the local laws and rental practices. 

Based on your state regulations you need to do it as the state mandates.

You can "practice" on your hud home at working with your contractor, buying your materials, etc. knowing that if it all goes wrong, it's still your place and will not just be a dead asset.34567) all of these are sound options, You just need to determine what works best for your risk tolerance.