I would split it with the upper tenant and let them know that this is a 'one time' courtesy because it was their issue and they need to notify you in a timely manner for maintenance.

Since you have credit scores in the mid-to-upper 700s with very little debt load, I would suspect that you can get some great deals on cards.

Are you looking to buy a fixer-upper and bring it up to the condition of everything else in the neighborhood or buying an average house for the neighborhood and plan to make it the nicest one?

The idiot drilled holes through the upper lip of the porcelain tub to attach it to the studs. 

Honestly if you buy a fixer upper out of state and try to manage it by phone with unknown contractors and property managers all you are to them is the guy with money from New York .

I also invest in larger, nicer homes so I can pick from the upper tiers of the renters.

Are there specific first time buyer loans that have a "fixer upper" benefit as I would love to be able to utilize my uncles construction company and give him some work.Thank You for taking the time to read this!

These duplexes are surrounded by 300k-500k homes here in the upper south/lower midwest.

I come from an area in Oregon where a decent house without major repairs could come around 100-120k, but a fixer-upper could be maybe $50k if I snag a good deal (I think?

If it literally says "must close with lender x," and not "must cross-qualify with lender x," or "we will offer you an incentive to use lender x," then I'm going to go out on a limb without knowing your state laws and say that it's probably illegal.