But you'll learn how to negotiate, and make deals, deal with people and work for yourself.You could try finding tools at estate sales, getting them for a good price and then flip them to mechanics at garages for a profit. 

I am currently doing a mechanical engineering internship in Indiana, but between semesters from December 18th to around January 6th ill be home and with a lot of free time.

From what you initially posted you have a large family and high expenses to break even each month.Cutting down on costs in certain areas is likely to increase your stress as a family might use those as coping mechanisms ( going out to eat, activities for the kids,etc.)

Here's one from a newb here (Me):    When doing a complete condo renovation, and you replace working but ugly 12 year old mechanicals to be on the safe side; (Heat Pump, Washer, Dryer, Stove, Microwave, Dishwasher, and Hot Water Heater), and decide to keep the Refrigerator because it's "Perfect"...get a new fridge anyway because in 2 months it will die.Ask me how I know. 

This property has a mechanic lien filed before the deed of trust, but the deed of trust mentioned that "Deed of Trust is granted by the Borrower(s) to secure Borrower indebtedness to Lender, the indebtedness secured hereby is in renewal and extension but not in extinguishment of that indebtedness .. of the mechanic lien".Now, the bank uses the deed of trust to foreclose on the property.

The dwelling has been adequately maintained and requires only minimal repairs to building components/mechanical systems and cosmetic repairs.

Then, the contractors sue the tenants and the property ends up with Mechanics Liens.

Finding a good lawyer is not different than finding a good doctor, car mechanic, etc.

This particular gentleman was a 74-year-old retired mechanic.

By the way, I got a degree in English Education and I've got my red pen ready for your mechanics errors if I gave a rip. ;-)