Help needed with appraisal process/contracting work

[Gregory Williams]

Hello everyone,

I am a beginner in real estate investing, getting started in my first deal with my Mom. She has always owned this one duplex outside of Pittsburgh (she bought it for cash about 7 years ago and has been renting it out since. I just recently came to the epiphany that we could use the Brrrr strategy to get her another property. Her property is a two-sided duplex with 2 bedrooms on both sides. I have a question regarding the process we should take. She has never gotten the properties appraised so we would do so before seeking pre-approval for a refi. But the main 2 issues at hand come down to this.

1. The roof is in less than average shape and needs to be redone. Should we repair the roof (4-5k?) before the appraisal or get the appraisal first? If we decide that the estimate is enough to get a refi and simply refi the house and use the money to get another property is that a better plan? or should we fix the roof, get the appraisal, and then get the refi?

2. One of the stairwells on the larger side is not up to code for renting so instead of charging a higher price for 2 bedrooms we only rent it as a one-bedroom because it is so small and thin going upstairs. If we fix it we would be able to advertise the rental as a 2 bedroom unit and charge at a higher rate instead of charging at a one-bedroom rental price. Even though this issue is independent to 1 I just wanted an opinion. 

I am trying to help my mom with financial freedom but were some suggestions before I do anything. Also, I would like some advice on the best process to fix the roof before or after an appraisal. Any and all suggestions are welcome, please feel free to reply! Thank you so much.