The borrowers sued my husband for wrongful foreclosure (but that's another story).During the time my husband *thought* he owned the property, he paid the taxes (4 years).The judge recently set-aside the foreclosure, so my husband was never really the owner.  

We keep coming up with old homes with foundation issues (just judging by sight and realtor.com description of the property) but have no clue as how to estimate costs without hiring an engineer to come with us at every home visit.

My point stands though.. if you buy a non appreciating asset/real estate and you have to sell it.. and it was just marginal on cash flow it does not take an expert to declare that's not the best investment ever.

A lot of it will be judging the condition based on site and asking questions about what you see.  

This is what it states:The covenants, conditions, and restrictions of this Declaration shall run with and bind the land, and shall inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, Declarant, the owner of any lot, and their respective legal representatives, heirs, successors and assigns, and, unless amended as provided herein, shall be effective for a term of twenty (20) years from this date, after which time said shall be automatically extended for successive period of ten (10) years.

If the now non-working spouse wants to qualify as a real estate pro to realize their losses, but in order to reach the number of required hours, must formally declare they are grouping all the rental activities for both buildings together. 

(Even if you've done no work)While your above justification sounds "mentally sound" most judges I know especially ones that Ohio is putting wholesalers infront of will "Judge Judy" that response so fast you won't know what hit you. 

He can't afford propane which means he can't afford your rental.Personally, I would turn the water off and declare the home uninhabitable.

Has anyone received "Property Declaration Form" notices from the City of Portland Assessor's office requesting annual operating income/expenses?

I declare heavy expenses on taxes so my yearly net is generally 20k or less.