When I replaced mine - I went with exact same brand and tank size but a high efficiency model - measured to make sure same height - Handyman was installing - of course it didn't fit through the door where the old water heater was.High efficiency one had more insulation and about 3 inches wider.  

I'm not sure how much you are losing every month, but for $1,300 and not having to wait a year and a half, it is probably worth it, and a large savings over the time of the next year and a half both with potential things you will be paying in repairs, and the negative cash flow.

@Will Wu Yes, obviously the half a dozen calls in one day is the huge eye-catcher of your post.

I am looking forward to my move to Fargo to start my RE Investing lifestyle, but it's going to be a challenge because I need to get the "better half" on board because she HATES risk. 

Buying a double and living in half while renting the other half out is a great way to get started in real estate investing.

You get half way done, have cost overruns, the labor guy doesn't show and you have to pay more to get it done, the material costs go up, inspector says tear it out and do it again or a million other things and you have a job half finished.

Justin he owes 132K and after doing more research houses identical to this one are selling from  240 to 245 within half a mile.

I respect the idea of the site, but half their stuff is in Newark.

My response was always what happens when the stock market crashes and you lose half of your 401K?

<g>I don't know how many he ended up with but more than a half dozen.