Appreciate both your insights - and yes, awareness of the time horizon is a big thing vs. the likelihood of future natural disasters is an important consideration. 

The purpose of the owners’ rep time was to determine if there were any existing leaks in the water inlet system.On Jan 10, Ben followed up with a detailed description of his intent for the scope of work at 1435 7th St, which included a couple lines about the owners’ rep time and hands on work.On Jan 17, Ben completed work at XXX E 16th St in capping water lines, providing feedback that there were no leaks on the incoming water inlet system, and then completing the natural gas extension to allow for connection of a gas range.On Jan 28 (best I can tell from my records), for work at XXX 7th St, Derrick YYY was paid for the rough electrical scope of work and successful inspection sign off.

Painted, added natural gas source.

@Derek Daun It can be difficult to determine the extent of a natural gas leak, as the mercaptans that it is spiked with can be detected at as low as couple of ppm.

It just the nature of the beast, and we more or less just expect it now.Also, every tenant we have ever assumed has been trouble. 

If it's a flip house or something of that nature where you are going to be selling it, there is a high probability that the code issue will come up at some point.

Also, your loans on the property (when handled correctly) are tax-deductible, paid off by your tenants and (with the seemingly natural rise of inflation), paid off with weaker dollars than you used to purchase/refinance the property with.On the other side of the coin.

It's just the nature of the beast in the Midwest.

Given the nature of the lot --  around 100' of frontage, ~ 250' of depth, with the existing structure more or less centered at the frontage, I believe the existing structure would need to be torn down to subdivide.

@Aaron White over time it will become second nature.