In my area, a lot of the old 1.5” pipes for hot water heat are wrapped in asbestos.

You should have had a thorough inspection of the heating and electrical systems when you bought the house, so you already have information that could verify his claims.Comfortable tenants aren't always the best tenants!

Other jurisdictions may require a building be brought up to current energy code (insulating all exterior walls, attics, etc, air sealing, whole house HRV (heat recovery ventilation) systems, etc), or structural code (I am working on a renovation now that is requiring the additional reinforcement of a masonry chimney)My point is, like so many people on BP say, is DO YOUR DUE DILIGENCE BEFORE BUYING A PROPERTY, especially if you’re the new guy or gal in town.

I am a heating contractor and I work on baseboard systems, but diagnosing a problem without being on the site is difficult because we need to do process-of-elimination.The first thing I would do is disconnect the wires at the solenoid valve.

It’s good that you have an agent that’s actually jumping in there & turning up the heat.

Also replacing roof and converting heat to gas.

When I bought the building it was in shambles the whole second floor was one space and was not functional( no plumbing, electric, heating or air, and a leaky roof).Since buying it , we have rented out the front commercial space and renovated the second commercial  space and I'm using it for my real estate office. 

Utility costs are a major consideration at -40f and -50f especially running on heating oil or wood heat (most places in Fairbanks aren't hooked up to natural gas).

Plumping and the heating system were nonoperational, which didn't manifest until after tenants moved in.

I was wondering if anyone else has had to replace their furnaces in 1/1 or similar size (700-1000sqft) and if there is a better heating solution that a full size furnace.