South Holland, Chicago Heights, etc, are NOT great areas and you apparently don't know it.The fact that people get off a bus and love the finish of the rehabs is not a justification that they're great deals.

You are now doing the same "not reading" that you accuse (in some cases with justification) others of doing.  

I like these places since they deliver free of charge.While your tenants certainly do not have a legal justification regarding with holding rent because of the current stove, what is the less painful route for you to go regarding this matter?

I mean, I'm sure most landlords don't set out to be slumlords, but I don't even think I could stand that perception of my business.To explain a little further, and to build off @Mike Cumbie, this is a personal loan, with the justification of "buying property" (or something to that effect), to cover a significant portion of the purchase and rehab costs I cannot cover out of pocket.

What you need is justification for the new value.... ie: appraisal.  

There is NO justification for what you did, and to continue trying to justify bad behavior just makes you look worse.

They do vary over the years, and "ALWAYS" includes years that have high interest rates as well as low ones.Of course, it is hard to make a point in a discussion with someone who simply responds "If 20% mortgages are common I'm sure I can do well with my $800, 000." without explanation or justification.

It's not that I'm unsympathetic, just if you're moving somewhere and you already know the situation, then you should have the means to pay rent.

Then there's no question of amount of profit justification.  

The other justification to ask for credits is if it costs considerably more then expected for some reason.