If you CLOSE, you are way above the cut than most of these guys.

It sounds like you're answering some of your own questions but you want someone else to say it out loud :)Cut your losses and sell it.

Cuts down on extension cord use which is dangerous.Replace all existing and add more  than you think is necessary. 

Since your tax bracket is 35%, the taxable gain of $19,166 would result in cutting a check for $6,708 to the IRS, leaving you with $27,460 ($34,168 – $6,708).

Meaning I had a large amount of available credit to borrow against my personal home one day and the next I received a letter cutting it by 2/3rds.  

The granite was cheap - around $300 for an 8' x 25" slab, which I cut and finished myself.

Like you said, I doubt he is really fine with his cut of the pie.

If you try to insulate the walls it means cutting a hole at the top of each stud bay (the area between wood studs--usually about 16-24") and having an insulator blow in insulation. 

Then just re-cut/patch outlet  and light switch holes. 

Whatever you can do to increase your savings or increase your income: cut out unnecessary expenses, work a side job, put money into a HYSA as opposed to a regular savings account earning 0.1% interest.