Thanks guys. From a monetary prospective I have to get the house done asap. I can't afford to hold onto 3 properties because I'll have no more liquid assets. I'll need to sell something to keep myself above water.
Our old farmhouse is gutted down to the studs. The place has been in the family for over 100 years. Despite the fact the farm ground has been sold off I didn't want to see the building acreage gone. I really liked living in the country and want to return there. If times get tough enough I might have to sell it.
The house we're living in now I purchased from my siblings while my folk's estate was being settled. I knew I was stretching things a bit but felt I could swing it. I never foresaw some of the health problems that cropped up or the losses we'd take from vandalism and thefts. The accumulate affect of stuff took out whatever cushion I had. My car addiction hasn't exactly put me on the road to fame and fortune either.
I don't want (nor should I want) any sympathy for whatever financial position I'm in. I'm doing OK. - Probably better than a lot of other guys on this site. I've just got to pinch the hell out of my pennies for awhile so I don't get into real trouble.
The ordeal with that city council was serious enough that it could have sunk me. I do REALLY appreciate the empathy shown regarding it.