My lender at the time ASSURED me that it was totally fine, as I had asked him explicitly multiple times about refinancing a year or so later and he knew about the lease.

I need a list of sites which allow you to shop for and/or buy commercial real estate.

Next is regulations, checking with city to assure it's legal to do. 

Make sure they feel heard and assure them you will do in your power what you can do to make sure they are safe.

:Question: Why is preferred to use a warranty deed, instead of a quit claim deed?

I guess had there been time I could have done it to assure it would be a deductible on SchE rather than a closing (basis) side of the house.Even if you performed the repairs, they probably would not have been deductible on Sch E anyway.

He assured me it was no big deal and that simply waterproofing the basement would solve the problem.

I prefer markets that experience mild winters to eliminate the added costs brutal winters can bring. 

The builders that were building rentals are most assuredly going to switch over to rebuilding the higher profit multi-million dollar homes.

My sentiments are a bit similar to other commentors, slow but assured progress is best especially in this interest rate environment.