I have worked for "Slumlords". There is a reason their properties are "Slums". MONEY. They have it and don't like to spend it. You won't convince them otherwise. I did a bunch of HUD jobs in some nasty places. I look back at it as part of my climb up the contracting ladder. I have past that part of the ladder and do not wish to return. My point is the work is crap and chasing the money stinks.
