If you're just trying to eliminate ponding and/or insulate the roof better, then you should consider a pitched foam type roof system.

I would be comfortable using 5% higher than what he gives you to be conservative, but I'm guessing with the unknowns your family connection is eliminating then it's a no brainer.

If we bought, we'd eliminate our exorbitant rent, but do condo/co-op owners really make much equity, even if the market does well?

That's definitely a huge advantage and, from my perspective at least, could eliminate or minimize some of the challenges that exist with investing in Butte.

Biggest benefit is it eliminated a lot of the people right at the start.

BOOM - you'll be at 78ltv before you know it and can refi to eliminate pmi (maybe current servicer will do this for free and keep the same rate?)

The location determines all the long-term income characteristics.To narrow your search, I recommend eliminating locations unlikely to be good long-term investment locations using the following filters.

It can save you some time perhaps by eliminating properties, but there is nothing like seeing it.   

OP could potentially continue to overburden current septic system, but it’s failure (and it will fail at some point) could be very costly and eliminate some options   I suspect the ATU could be best solution at cost of near $20k (not sure of the cost variances in various markets).

Such portability with simultaneous security of tools eliminates the need to stay at the rehab property.