I know I will need to jump out there in the RE waters to really learn to swim, but I'm not quite there yet 😢😢.

You should have a conversation with the inspector about the water heater and see if he agrees or not.There are water heaters now that can be used for heat and hot water at the same time.

Consider making your new lease expire in the spring or summer (a 16 month lease, or 18 month lease) ... explaining that it will be better for both of you as far as them having greater choice -- and explain that's also a reason they're getting such a great deal on rent!

Start adding up replacement roof, hvac, water heater, appliances, flooring, siding, windows, water/sewer lines, painting, etc., and $1k a year will never cover everything that eventually need to be replaced.

Water is getting in to the garage quite a bit.

My mother, who lives in Powder Springs, Georgia in the Atlanta area is in need of a bit of help.

Is there water damage?

I had friends who purchased houses in 2006, 2007 and early 2008 who suddenly were so far under water on their mortgages they couldn't see the surface.  

My name is Mike Ventura and I am from Northwest New Jersey - about two minutes away from the Delaware Water Gap.

However, it would likely be the same after year 3 and blow the Midwest CCR out of the water by year 5 and beyond, and we haven't even talk about the ridiculous and speculative appreciation investing in our neck of the woods.