Look for shops that test and offer guarantees.For valued tenants or premium units: New appliances might be worth the investment for their reliability and long-term durability.Ultimately, your decision depends on your goals.

Of course, there's no perfect right or wrong answer, it will be different for all but make sure you do what is comfortable for you and what fits your goals. 

Quote from @Celine Besson: Hi everyone,We recently moved from Memphis, TN, to Montreal, Quebec.Before leaving, we planned to invest in a small house, renovate it, and rent it out (Ultimate goal would be to BRRRR).

Competition remains strong but it doesn't mean your goal is impossible to reach.

If your goal is higher cash flow, your equity might work harder elsewhere.

Whether it’s for startup costs, equipment, or marketing, leveraging your home’s value can help bring your entrepreneurial goals to life.Bottom LineWhether you’re thinking about selling, upgrading, or simply want to understand your options, your home equity is a powerful resource.

What are your specific goals with real estate investing?

I love that you have specific goals for 2025 - I believe if we think it, write it, say it, and share it our goals are 10x more likely to come to fruition.Are you able to do option 2 and just house hack a 2-4 unit building and use a renovation loan which allows you to put down 3.5-5%I highly suggest getting to some local chicago meetup groups (we have an in person one on the 17th)...here is BPs list: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521-real-estate-events-...I also have a full list of the chicago meetups that I can share with you too if that'd be helpful.

My goal is to hold these long term. 

I will have to go over everything of what I want to do, and then have a talk with her to see if her goals align with mine.