You should be able to get a premanufactued railing or fence from home depot or a simular store that will meet these requirements. 

Most mortgages have a clauses about not storing hazardous materials in the property, as well as about keeping the property free of municipal liens, and it sounds like this particular homeowner may have crossed that threshold.  

Here is the process I generally recommend:#1 Read the Book on Estimating Rehab CostsJScott's 'The Book on Estimating Rehab Costs' is a great resource for new rehabbers to learn how to Estimate Repair Costs on 25 common rehab repairs.https://www.biggerpockets.com/store/the-complete-g...#2 Explore Lowes and Home Depot to Learn About Material PricingTake a tour through Lowes and Home Depot (or their websites) and look at finishes materials and fixtures that you will consider using in your rehab projects.

There are so many great technology elements that can help you manage the physical rental.

Or, find an alternative way to fund to projects through a personal loan or store cc if you can pay it off before accruing interest.

I sure know what you mean about those runs to the hardware store adding up.What would you have done different?

I went to the store and bought refrigerators and rented U-Hauls to get them to the property. 

I have a tenant who owns a coffee shop who would like to put their business in one of the store fronts.

I mean the tennant obviously needs to keep their place warm, and they need to store food too.

The more you own of anything (stores, restaurants, houses, hair salons, whatever) there is a benefit.