@Ryan Tyree,That flat fee for time seems like a logical solution.

I welcome any ideas or criticism as to what you all may think I'm doing wrong, or as far as what tree I should bark up, and where that tree is. 

I'd like the new heating system to satisfy the following:1) Minimally invasive: I'd rather not tear out the old plaster to run new gas, water, electric, or ducts throughout the building2) Cost effective: I'm working with a budget and need to make sure whatever is chosen won't break the bank3) Transfer the cost: The new solution must pass heating costs to the tenant ... electric preferred4) Energy efficient: Tenants won't want to renew their lease if their electric bill skyrockets5) Effective: The winter months can be chilly in Virginia, and the system needs to be able to heat the rooms effectivelyThanks for your input!

I had Shelter on the first properties that I bought in North Kansas City and I actually did file a claim with them when a tree fell on my property.

They call me an example of the kind of affordable-housing landlord that is part of the solution to the housing problems of the urban ghetto.I won't tell you how much I have invested in real estate.

Tenant's can't with hold rent as you supplied a temporary solution until a service tech is available.  

Working on a rehab project in Downtown Nashville and having a bit of trouble coming up with an HVAC solution. 

The problem is coming from 2" drain pipes and the fact that we are surrounded by trees.

The legality depends on the laws where you live.Hiring low-life criminals with baseball bats has been touted by some here as a solution to this problem, but that is DEFINITELY ILLEGAL.

How are yall handling the utility bills do the tenants pay, are yall billing them back, or has anyone can up with another creative solution?