The house has a little mortgage that can be paid with the down payment. 

Do not paint brick -- low maintenance becomes expensive high-maintenance, no thank you. 

We were confused as the previous landlord said he wasn't on state benefits and paid the rent directly in the last 10 years ( we have texts to confirm that).

Easier to get paid and maybe handle dispute (question mark?) 

Property Taxes have been paid since purchased.

If an investment property, there non-warrantable DSCR loan options.Some details:Loans available for purchase, rate and term refinance (no cash out) and cash-out refinanceCredits score down to 620LTV are up to 75% for purchase and 70% for cash out.Rate buydown feature available.DSCR (lower of gross rent lease or Form 1007/216 rent divided by PITIA) as low as 1.0x.For experienced investors (one year of investor experience and own home), short term rentals can be structured off of 12 month short term rental history with 20% expense factor.

The mortgages and closing expense can be written off to eliminate the taxes as you want 

More than likely, you will be out the time, the court costs, any lawyer expense and come away with at best a judgement that will costs you more money to collect.The best route is to talk to the GC and if you cant find common ground, part ways and find one that will in fact finish the work. 

Hey Joseph, I 100% understand what you're going through.My wife and I used a HELOC, 401(k) loans, and even an additional personal loan to acquire rental properties in Detroit from 2019-2021 ultimately acquiring 12-doors.We paid cash, renovated when necessary but some were also turnkey, and refinanced out on the backend.

For example, let's say I am filing for 2023: 2022 -2023: Installment 1: $5,200 Paid Nov 2022Installment 2: $5,200 Paid April 20232023-2024Installment 1: $5,500 Paid Nov 2023Installment 2: $5,500 Paid April 2024Are you guys using $5200 + $5500 or $5500 + $5500?