coming in late to this post but would love to understand if you are still in in the REI game here in OKC.

I personally know a real estate broker that has done such.  

If the same person is willing to cut it down for free in exchange for the wood, I'd let them do it.

Pete/Tampa area on unrelated persons living together in a home?

They keep the group small so you're not a faceless person and you can get questions directly answered.

(I've written about the topic on the forums many times).I also have personal experience rehabbing properties with structural issues (unfortunately).I've bought and rehabbed properties in almost every condition imaginable, but I've never knowingly bought a property with significant structural issues--that's my one deal-breaker.

I personally believe that landlords can be great change agents in a community.  

Every room has a few pieces of furniture/personal belongings.

If the tenant doesn't take care of their issues than you become responsible.  9 out of 10 times you become responsible.I always conducted my own inspections well ahead of any section 8 inspections to get ahead of the game and fix any issues that may arise due to section 8 inspections. 

That is MUCH harder to do from a distance and when your personal experience may be with newer homes that don't have issues like this.