Could be that the last time it was repaired, there may have been multiple leaks and the technicians did not pressure test adequately or at all and frivolously charged the system.

I've heard of pressure loss issues and false shutdowns, if it would even work at all. 

I would also encourage you to check out any of the REIA groups in the area including our local Fresno Deal Seekers meetup - we get together once a week to network and talk about real estate, partner up, share deals, and analyse properties - its a great place to meet other investors, make great contacts and ask questions in comfortable no pressure environment. 

I hadn’t come across anyways of doing this, so assume the answer is no, but wanted to pressure test that assumption nonetheless.To make my question more clear, let’s assume I’m selling property 1 for $400k.

That's a great way to get started and in my opinion takes off some of the pressure and risk of your first investment. 

. $180 Option 2: sand, refinish and poly existing hardwoods to look new $585 Option 3: layover with LVP $725 Option 4: install new carpet/ pad $345 replace two HVAC vents 50 Master Bathroom Install New toilet seat 35 Install one blind 35 Replace door and frame to the bathroom 175 Carport pressure wash all siding on walls ceiling and concrete floor 150 Laundry Room Install proper vent pipe for dryer vent line 45 reset outlet next to water heater 20 replace broken glass in window 125 Exterior Cut yard again after rehab 125 double gates on right side of house are demolished need to be either replaced 400 removed /cut limbs off of trees that are touching or hanging on house and back garage Need a tree company to quote-cut all overgrowth back and dead tree by HVAC around home and around back garage and haul off 400 attach all gutters back to the house and clean and repair. replace downspout in middle of back of home 200 replace five crawlspace vents 240 recommend tearing down and hauling off doll house back behind garage 300 Back Garage Replace entry door and frame due to dog 375 replace drywall due to dog damage in front room of back garage 60 Pressure wash concrete floors in back garage due to excessive amount of dog feces that was removed during clean out but stains and smell still there 100 recommend painting all walls in front room and all concrete floors in garage due to overwhelming smell of dog 350 Replace locks on two entry doors 100 TOTAL REPAIR CHARGES 13882

He has informed me via his contact that the reason why banks are making is so difficult to get short sales complete or at the very least why it's very difficult is because the government is pressuring them to NOT do short sales right now.

That top end dictates and caps what I can charge for my rentals and puts some downward pressure on rents across the whole metro area.But I think that's temporary and that on the whole, the PDX metro area is still facing a housing shortage and here's why...New construction permits are far out-paced by the influx of people to the Portland Metro area.

________________________________________________________________Inspect, and possibly change out HVAC filtersClean kitchen sink disposalClean range hood filtersInspect your fire extinguisher(s)Test smoke/carbon monoxide detectorsTest garage door auto-reverse featureRun water and flush toilets in unused spacesCheck water softener, add salt if neededGive your house a deep cleanVacuum your refrigerator coilsTest your water heater’s pressure relief valveReplace batteries in smoke/carbon monoxide detectorsCheck the exterior drainageClean out guttersInspect the exterior of your homeGet your air conditioning system ready for summer; consider servicingRepair/replace damaged window screensClear dead plants/shrubs from the houseCheck trees for interference with electric linesInspect roofing for damage, leaks, etc.Test your electricity to the extent that you canTighten any handles, knobs, racks, etc.Check all locks and deadbolts on your doors and windowsCheck caulking around showers and bathtubs; repair as neededRemove shower heads and clean sedimentDeep clean and inspect the basementCheck grout in bathrooms, kitchen, etc.; repair as neededInspect plumbing for leaks, clean aerators on faucetsTake care of any insect problems you may haveClean and repair deck/patio as neededClean out window wells of debrisCheck and clean dryer vent, other exhaust vents to exterior of homeClean garage________________________________________________________________Do the landlords on this forum perform any of these tasks? 

Given current climate and economic pressures consider that it is and will be lower income families that will be hit hardest.