After the slab has been poured, and has had a chance to dry sufficiently, these cables are pulled and anchored, adding strength to the slab.

I recommend building a relationship with a direct lender at some point so that when your family/friend money (if you have it) runs dry, you have somewhere to go.

A few months back I posted an ad on craigslist for contractors to fix some stairs that were rotting away.

I will say that if your tenants open the storms and leave them open (when they shut the windows) the storm frame may catch water and rot the sill, so make sure there are unobstructed weep holes.

The income property investment in Orange County is pretty dry right now.

Likely water damage / plywood rotting away under the shingles so it sagging.

Keep your home clean and dry, with adequate ventilation and air movement.

So, it drips and rots out the bottom of the cabinet and maybe the floor below that. 

The houses just sit and rot.

Lots of foundation problems, wood rot, termite damage, poor workmanship, water damage ect ect.