Also, I started a refinance a few years back when rates got really low and was told that because my divorce docs awarding me the house did not have the full and complete block address that my ex still had a claim to the property and would have to come to signing (amicable divorce so he was willing to do that).

Those midwest cities can have drastic changes from block to block. 

thanksAlex You seem to have this odd mental block that you & the Property Manager are working against one another or that the Property Manager is looking at your portfolio & trying to figure out ways to trick you out of $30 her or there, lol.

Own bank acct, own check series (like the 3000s), own check colors, etc. 

Issues like this typically require extensive shoring then installing Piles because soil erosion will undermine all cement and block walls.   

This is a wood-fired fireplace and I was thinking along the same lines with the decorative brickwork or temporary design to block off the front portion. 

If no more leaks, and the ceiling drywall is solid, and not spongy, weak, or wet feeling I would just prime with oil stain blocking primer and repaint.

How did you learn to design or pick out the colors and styles you used?

There's a McDonald, DQ and Grocery store within a couple of blocks.

However, she is local to the area and knows the streets down to the block.