Of course regrading your whole yard is first component of getting a dry basement. 

I am not joking when I say there are thousands of multifamily syndicators right now looking for this stuff.I do look at larger retail value add projects but they have to have a really big upside component to make that worthwhile.

Once the property is under contract I have it inspected to determine the current condition and life expectancy of all major components and appliances.  

Money is only one component of value.  

It contains videos of my projects and has an educational component as well.

This isn't a complete business plan but it's a solid component of it. 

However, the big hurdle has been that most lenders that we have spoken with want to see the retail component of the project at least 50% leased prior to commitment.

I too pay close attention to current components and appliances condition and life expectancy.  

If all major components in the property are new (or recently replaced/upgraded) and you don't have to worry about them for a few years, then not as big of a deal and you can building up the rainy day fund.

You are better off analyzing the remaining life of major Capex components like roof, windows, plumbing, furnace, AC and have a reserve fund set aside as part of acquisition cost.