A FincenID doesn't solve the problem for many entities. 

Challenge: It's in a neighborhood (no HOA), and renting the entire property (sleeps 25 in total) caused problems in the neighborhood, due to noise and parties – so we only rent the separate cabins now.

The problem is, they never got their own inspections or appraisals so how do they actually know if the renovation was done or not? 

My problem is that I have been looking in my hometown because I thought I wanted my first property to be close by to make it easier at first, but I am thinking I need to look in other markets.

Quote from @Will Reed: Has any one ever had roots in pipes and solve the issue with out doing excavation.

The problem is these homes are 60-120 years old and because of the low value neighborhoods, nobody has ever made any capital improvements beyond duct tape.

An investor can enhance returns in the SM all kinds of ways. 

If your problems were really caused by an unexpected ac failure (can’t believe your realtor didn’t get seller to throw in a home warranty.) and not lifestyle.

Thankfully I have no property in NY.I loved this quote which shows just how clueless people are about housing issues:“Housing instability is at the root of so many problems facing our city, such as exacerbating homelessness and hunger, failing to meet our children’s educational needs, and undermining public safety,” said the CWTU in a statement.

If you did and had problems leave them a review with the Better Business Bureau, here and also contact the FTC Consumer Protection division.