This is a set of observations on creating an optimal strategy for 'forced appreciation.'1.  

But I work with people I trust and get my own home inspector and contractor quotes for repairs to try to maintain some independence.  

I work sometimes nights and weekends to maintain the properties, look for new ones and keep the accounting in order, but their is a means to an end.

I am not a very good plumber, and I know it is not always optimal to do everything yourself, but I am on Summer vacation (school teacher) until August!

I'm Intreagued with this idea because living expenses are exuberant and if I were able to close on a deal and maintain occupancy with two other tenants my living expenses would be eliminate and I would be living for free rather than paying thousands of dollars renting someone else's home.

We try to let people that are having financial hardship out of their leases (as long as they have been good tenants and are maintaining my property).

Hearing the girls from the neighborhood talk about how they wanted their neighborhood to be nice and have a better reputation because they loved it and thought it could be great really set the tone for the day.Every year in Yosemite, where I have a vacation rental, there is a fun weekend of clearing trash from the park and maintaining trails.  

Lenders/Servicers/Banks do not speak with potential buyers directly because they want to maintain the arms length component in a possible transaction.

Where this is an REO, I have no access to the previous utilities data, but given the boiler was an older oil burner (76% efficient), the envelope has little to no insulation and the windows (single pain with storms, which have not been maintained) and doors are all original, I expect the ~2375 ft^2 building was averaging 300 - 400/month in heating costs.  

And if so, what is the cost associated with establishing/maintaining that account?