That was a perfect response and exactly what I needed to hear.

Thank you for the responses!

I have since taken care of the dead tree for which the citation is for...BTW..The City of Phoenix who wrote the citation informed the resident it was not his responsibility to remove the tree, even though it is in his lease agreement AND it is an owner finance arrangement....Question 1: Do I need to go to court being that the violation has been fixed? 

Hey guys thanks for all the new responses.

You NEED separate utilities, especially if you are going to build a fresh new building, whatever it may be, make sure each unit is responsibly for their own utility usage.

Probably the area is hot and it's easier to sell for cash.Your best response will probably be hard money lender.

Thanks so much for all of your response.

I am also brand new and seeing everyone's responses to your question has been very helpful.

I am a bit overwhelmed/lost on what I should do and what makes more sense right now given my financial responsibilities. 

I usually end up just saying I do taxes otherwise they just get really confused and keep asking tax questions anyways.This response certainly helps and I will see if I can find a real estate specific tax professional.