We will gut and completely rehab units (industrial modern style), including new plumbing, so I expect maintenance will be minimal. 

Anyways, the kitchen would have needed to be redone anyways in this house (early 1990's style) so the location of the majority of the damage isn't necessarily bad.  

Frank Romine A little reckless... but I like your style.

Additionally, you receive several yellow letter style/postcard piece(s) of mail every day/week in which some guy/gal has 'handwritten' the same message (I'm sure it's merely a coincidence that their handwriting and message is exactly the same...) about how he/she would like to '$$$BUY$$$ your house for cash dollars' (I'm paraphrasing here). 

We have been debating over an exterior color scheme for this Dutch Colonial style house.

I think @Jean Bolger has the right idea and I really tend to agree with her style/methods.

Don't do the wrecking ball style that you see on TV.

When determining the right amount of leverage, what it really comes down to is your own risk tolerance, investment style and goals.

I can't predict the future either but good design and good taste never go out of style!

I also agree, and its because its my style, but I don't bring others along with me.