Any suggestions on what type of paint and tips when exposing brick walls in the basement?

If the tech says it is broken because the tenant did something wrong then you can state that to them and let them know if there is an issue they will be responsible but buying used and wanting the tenant to be responsible I don't think is fair.

Believe me, this is the tip of the iceberg in terms of the expenditures you will put out for improvements and maintenance.

Any tips would be great.

Network at RE meetups and get to know others who do what you want to do, get tips and tricks from them and learn about the mistakes they have made.

Here are just a few examples: missing handrails, no gutters or broken gutters, exposed subfloor, exposed wiring, insufficient heating elements, dry rot, mold, water damage, rotting or leaking window sills and trim, appliances that don't work, deck and fence in disrepair, wet basements, peeling paint, roof over 20 years old could get called out.Hope this helps and best of luck to you!

I have a friend who’s landlord keeps neglecting to replace their broken HVAC system.

While I can understand some of the desire for rent control there are other more practical and productive ways to assist families in need of housing (IE fix the broken section 8 programs around the country)  I would prefer however that all of you out of state investors get out of "our town" so that the prices can go back to normal for us locals, which should in turn help keep rents down a bit locally .....

It took me a moment to determine ALL the bulbs had been stolen.When I looked for signs of a break-in I found a glass pane on the front door had been removed (not broken) someone reached into unlock, then they carefully set the glass pane asideThat is all.  

I really appreciate your insight and tips.