I bought the property with a new roof, new flooring, and new appliances, vastly reducing my upkeep. 

This is shifting the burden of up keeping the infrastructure from the town to the investor which is probably good in the eyes of the town. 

He is a cop, most have superiority complexes and like to push their weight around.

I didn't put high end finishes on it, but we did put some decent upgrades in it (with the mindset of resell value, etc.)The home requires very minimal landscaping/outdoor upkeep, while still being a SFH, which is one thing we really liked.

Seems like unecessary extra weight.

I am all about everyone making money in any deals, but the fund I was in was heavily weighted towards the officers -- 20%+ fee (13% was just the fee to pay the officers!)

This building is a monster. 6 full size indoor gyms, overhead observation areas, massive weight room, in door sprint track....

It required some serious engineering (this wall was load bearing and held up the weight of the second floor - master bedroom).

A good paying W2 job is worth its weight in gold when it comes to getting loans and smoothing out the lean times in real estate.I think you are seeing your friends with rose colored glasses.  

It is extremely durable and looks great without any upkeep unlike many other stones.