The inherited tenants were both on MTM leases.  14 months now after closing on the property, both of those inherited tenants are now on leases, 1 of them signed an 18 month lease with a built in rent increase that went into effect this past June.  

Their purchasing power is expected to increase rapidly, with an expected $1.4 trillion in disposable income by the year 2020 (socialmediatoday.com).

Yes, as long as it is explained in the Lease that the increase covers the cost of the heat, but why not average it for 12 months?

Hopefully taxes don't continue to increase but not exactly optimistic about it.

Meanwhile, A properties get hit with negative rent growth and concessions but don't suffer as bad in terms of turnover, delinquency and evictions because they can attract the good tenants that still have jobs just by lowering the rent and undercutting inferior properties. 

I am worried that I will have to get rid of bamboo which is one of the most attractive features of this house.

To me, if one were to find a good building template that was different then the run of the mill, you could build cheaper and attract more buyers that want something that's not majority.

I am in the process of having my personal home appraised with the goal of increasing my HELOC.

The flexibility of those assets can increase greatly if you leave your job.

Start to share your knowledge and insight with others on here and at meetings and you will attract someone who needs what your good at.