One should still be careful in maintaining the heat in an occupied or vacant property or properly winterizing a vacant property though.

We don't have a GC for the job, but you just need to make sure all the proper permits are being pulled for the work being done.

The funny part is that Denver-proper has become so popular and costs have gone up so much in the last 5 years that what you're describing has already taken place and the suburbs are seeing similar increases, at least in the more desirable areas.

or  Invest as a cash partner with some one that understands the true value of cash and how to properly invest.

The money you would save by having them properly complete that exchange would more than offset the cost.

If I understand your question properly you're wondering if you should lock people into a year long lease and then raise their rent after a month, or if you should just raise the rent up front on the lease renewal? 

I figured that they are going to ask how much I am willing to buy the house for, in which the best response I have learned is, “I would never make an offer on a house without doing a proper valuation and seeing the house in person” something along those lines. 

It's hard to say whether that agent truly followed up with the lender and PROPERLY submitted a COMPLETE short sale file.  

Land is hard to move and hard to collect much rent from if and when you end up holding it.I do know that one consideration with gun ranges is lead contamination so that might also drive down the price for any buyer if it has not been properly maintained.

He was a great source of info on doing things the proper way.