The ground floor was redesigned for retail units, while the upper floors were converted into modern, open-concept office spaces.Modern Amenities: Introduced features like energy-efficient lighting, upgraded HVAC systems, and high-speed internet infrastructure.Aesthetic Upgrade: Refreshed the façade with contemporary materials while preserving historical elements to maintain its character.OutcomesIncreased Occupancy: The property went from 40% to 95% occupancy within six months of renovation.Higher Rental Rates: Upgraded spaces commanded rental rates 30% higher than before.Enhanced Property Value: The property's appraised value increased by 50% post-renovation.Investor's ROIBy investing in smart architectural design, the investor not only revitalized a neglected property but also significantly boosted their ROI through higher rental income and property appreciation.

Quote from @Victor Yang:In addition, is it possible for me and my wife to gift 36k worth of equity per year of the house (under the annual exclusion limit) and therefore have none of the costs go towards the lifetime gift limit?

Honestly, it seems like you’ve got more skin in the game than I do since I’m just getting started as a bird dog, but I really admire your approach.I think your focus on tax-efficient strategies and building a reliable team is spot on.

Any key factors to consider or lessons learned when trying to scale efficiently?

If you can brand yourself as someone with a strong track record of getting VA buyers to the closing table efficiently, realtors will take notice and vouch for you and your clients as offers are submitted and this will show tremendous value to borrower clients.  

Your ability to accurately estimate costs and efficiently manage renovations makes you an extremely valuable partner in any deal.

Because those simply demand a significant level of labor inputs that makes it very hard to effect the efficiency model we invented. 

This is something I try to live by and teach my kids if I can - "A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly.

Any recommendations on the most efficient way to track your time when classified as a real estate professional?

This way, you stay in control while scaling your deal flow efficiently.