When I was a financial planner I worked with several people who donated stocks and real estate through the use of a charitable remainder trust (CRT).

I don't mind taking somewhat of a hit on one or two houses that I may own for a few years if they will ultimately pull out of the downturn.Comparing the RE market to the stock market, what goes down must come up.

Some use the rental investments as pure investments, instead of or in addition to their stocks, etc.

You bought it, its your responsibility to maintain.

Remember if you put down %10 , and that property over a 30 year average , goes up just 2%, and we all know real estate over the next 30 years will average more than 2% , but for argument sake , lets say 2%.That means your original investment is going up %20 a year, I can't do that in the stock market for the next 30 years. yes I know some of the properties first few years will not positive cash flow, but that is to me is fine.

And when the stock market crashed in 1929, that’s exactly what happened.

Then I said; "let's go to Sears and you can buy paint and material" Needless to say I grossly overestimated how much paint the house needed, stocked up on new drop clothes and some roller covers brushes and other stuff that doesn't go bad!

But if you're trying a new contractor, it's human nature and expected that they'll want and require some good faith money up front, or after their first day of work onsite.Never pay more than 30% or 33% upfront, and that is ONLY if they have to pay for a lot of stock out of their pockets.

There is a roof garden on the second floor behind the apartment...I have a landscape designer to build and maintain that for readings and events!

Either entity is easy and cheap to set up, but I would advise either reading up on the requirements or consult an attorney on how to maintain the corporate veil.