Roof, Electric, Plumbing, Central air/heat recently done (3 yrs approx).

I hired licensed electrical, plumber, HVAC contractors and pass all rough-in and final inspection as well as final building inspection back in Sep 20th,  despite the fact I mistakenly didn't mentioned electrical and plumbing scope of work in my initial renovation permit.

The owner is a 65 year old retired electrical contractor who owns the building free and clear.

Closing decreases your available credit, so could actually help if you are trying to get a loan.In my experience the thing that propelled my score highest in my younger days was installment loans on automobiles.

For me, my dad and I rehabbed the bathroom before I moved in, taking about 4-5 full days (I took a week off work to do the bathroom and electrical). 

It was just a shell and needed everything- new electrical, some interior plumbing, fixtures, etc. he did these things "off the record" but with licensed contractors that were his buddies...And this is where things start to go sideways...In June he got a Stop work order from the city.

Do you want to put in an electric gate system (this can be expensive)You could put in cameras, but they really don't necessarily deter crime, they only provide evidence to help catch the criminal.

I've done extensive research and I'm finding recently rehabbed homes (roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical all new) in B neighborhoods in these cash flow markets where highly-rated property managers exist (so I wont need to fly anywhere).  

If you lose electric you lose well, that is a big issue. 

You can prune the tree with a 2-in-1 convertible electric chainsaw ($64.99 @ Walmart) in under 30 min.