On maintenance costs we like to separate the unit turn costs from regular maintenance to track both.

Disposal of fluids can be done properly, it's when they aren't you can have an issue.Noise is another issue to be covered generally, so revving up an engine constantly (as if they think they know what they are doing as old hot roders did) can be a noise issue.My lease prevented the tenant from keeping any inoperable machinery on premises or parts thereof, which meant all vehicles, lawn mowers or any gadget had to be operable, vehicles had to be titled, licensed and insured.The outside had to be free of clutter, trash, salvage or personal property not designed specifically as lawn furniture or for outdoor cooking and such was to be stored from view from the street when not in use.Those types of covenants will take care of a vehicle on blocks or an engine sitting in the yard.I wouldn't say anything about some minor repair being made to a vehicle, where do you draw the line, changing a windshield wiper or adding fluids or pulling the transmission. so long as it's done in the day and operable, doesn't cause toxics to spill, doesn't produce unwanted annoying noises, isn't a safety issue, is kept clean and neat, what's the issue?

The hour it to took to work on the website I should have put towards searching Craigslist, or driving for dollars, or other more deal producing activities.

I am all for setting myself apart from the regular investor!

Reducing the cost of living will probably produce a commensurate drop in income, so this is not necessarily the way to go, just something to think about.Good luck to you.

There are a few Canadians like myself who check in regularly.

And I have leads on a regular basis that I can refer out to someone.

If the solar array produces "extra" power during the day it basically causes the electric meter to run backward, providing power to the grid that the homeowner then gets credit for.Many solar companies offer longterm solar leases or "power purchase agreements" which involve minimal investment from the homeowner-- they own the panels, you just pay the solar company for the power produced.

I would receive emails from him regularly pitching one thing or another and much of it was pretty good advice - Webinars and whathaveyou pertaining to REI. 

It will get you comfortable with knowing that we investors, for the most part are regular people and enjoy teaching fellow investors.Good luck!