I often find some really nice MFH's but they are often older homes, some dating back to the early 1900's. 

We typically take the 'nice tile over shower unit' approach as well.

If you were to purchase a property from someone who wanted to do owner financing it is safe to say that they would like to be the bank on the transaction and bring in a monthly income with a nice yield. 

I guess not simple with these people.The house is so nice and I would love to see it make us some money.

Since you don't, I feel compelled to point out those not so nice happenings that I am aware of.

Fellow BPers,I am in commercial RE development of smaller stand alone buildings that at this point are fairly cookie cutter.

My only thoughts would be this - Englewood is developing  but it is still a tough enough area.

I've read about some new developments in the works for Trenton near the train station and recently visited the area.

For working with other contractors for more complex jobs, if the subcontractors are going to find quotes for you, you may require several quotes and decide which one to go.Anyway, no one cares about your property and your income vs expense better than you, delegate is a good way to develop your business, but supervision keeps it under control.

My opinion of the grip strip is it works and looks really nice so long as you're using one that is a design that would have small gaps normally, i.e. wood flooring.