My minimum payment on the loans is $152 so I can either attack that loan amount so I don't have that hanging over my head for the next decade or I can jump in to the REI game soon since I almost have a down payment saved up.

Unfortunately gang ,there are "cocky and arrogant" individuals in any ,practice,trade,endeavor or profession.Plumbers with a disagreeble arrogant and surly nature do not last long where I come from.It is highly competitive here in So Cal.You gotta be a "Superstar".Having said that,,,there is also a Code of Honor amongst tradesmen in any town or city.We all know who the good guys and the bad guys are.The bad guys are "disowned" and get put on the blacklist,,,they do not get referals or reccomdations from reputable contractors.We also watch them very carefully and inform our friends at the supply house,,,,do not give these guys credit,do not recomend them,,,they are trouble.We know "The Good,The Bad and the Ugly".But get this,,,good guys tend to hang together and refer each other.They also tend to join credible contractors associations like the PHCC Plumbing Heating and Cooling Contractors Association.Heres a tip ;if you are fortunate enough to identify and hire a good licensed plumber,he will usually know and be able to recommend a good electrician,HVAC man,carpenter,tile setter,painter,concrete and masonry contractor,locksmith,roofer,landscaper,,,you get the picture,,,,Oh Yeah about that business of "plumbers savings lives".Well,,,That is a true statement,,,,that fact is,,,"Plumbers have saved more lives than Doctors,,,,"An old American Standard slogan was "Plumbers Protect the Health of the Nation",,Well,,,Its kinda corny guys but it's TRUE,,,,Why ?

Only been hanging around for a few days and have had more answers provided to questions than I could've imagined.

Maybe lose those little upper cabinets there and add either a light (extend the electricity from the fan - even a plug-in hanging light from Ikea or something is fine) or put in an open shelf or two for a more modern look.Hope there's an idea or two you can use.

Love prop. 13.Hang in there. 

Never, but I didn't want to leave you hanging here with 0 comments bud. 

It's always great to hang out with people who share the same interests as you.  

Don't miss low hanging fruit because of tunnel vision focus.

I used to do a lot more work ON my properties but since I took on more units, I've simply hired out all the painting, hanging blinds, changing locks, etc. 

However, mistakes do happen (hanging out with a wrong crowd) or wrongful convictions so if the applicant can prove that they are a righteous citizen now, then I would personally feel that it would be ok to rent to them if they have a track record of paying bills on time and good landlord references etc.