Private equity firms buying up all investment properties at the moment. 2017... needing something to happen to force/require a sell off so I can jump in.

Keep in mind that the analysis forces 10% of invested cash, and 10% on the invested cash as an expense.

I am using an in house mortgage that we have, 97% LTV, no PMI, 4% fixed for 30 or 3.5% 7/1 ARM. 

My strategy has always been to leverage as much as possible at the best rate, which will typically be an ARM of some sort.

I have been told that there is no way when they send money into an escrow account to close on a property that we can "force" them to close. 

Adam, you and everyone else is correct in thinking baseboards are an economical alternative, as they can be retrofitted far easier and cheaper than moving over to an all new forced air system.

You can mention that your new handyman is a retired police officer from a drug task force hehe. 

Full doc or no income verification, ARM or balloon, long amortization or shorter and when do you want to close.

I have been told that there is no way when they send money into an escrow account to close on a property that we can "force" them to close.

I ask for written proof of insurance every January to enforce lease terms and ensure they have a Tenant's Insurance policy in force.