Was your loan based on just the purchase price or the total project cost? 

I am looking to buy a property in SLC Utah that i would want to try and run as a STR to help offset the cost.

Mind you, she used a legal aid attorney, so he didn’t cost her anything.

Renting out your current home could provide steady income, helping offset the new property's costs. 

The best place to start is with a spreadsheet that has every every cost itemized. 

The reason not to upgrade, is that you won't get that much more income for the cost of the upgrades.  

Hi all investor here with a sfh property in Oklahoma, I have been having ongoing plumbing issues almost every week with toilet clogs etc since last year, and recently they had to repair the sewer lines and had to excavate the backyard and living room floors costed me tens of thousands of dollars.

Here are a few to watch out for:Property Condition: Most distressed properties need extensive repairs or renovations, which add to your initial investment.Competitive Market: With Phoenix's popularity among investors, competition for the best deals can be intense.Complex Deals: Foreclosures, auctions, or short sales are much more complicated compared to regular real estate transactions and usually require specialized knowledge.Tips to Successfully Navigate the MarketDo Your Research: Understand the local market conditions, including neighborhood trends, property values, and potential rental income.Build a Strong Network: Work with professionals who specialize in distressed properties-such as brokers, contractors, and legal experts-to make the best decisions.Assess Costs Carefully: Factor in the cost of repairs, holding costs, and any potential financing issues when evaluating a property’s profitability.Be Patient: Finding the right distressed property takes time.

Creative Freedom: You get to design and transform spaces, which can be personally fulfilling.The Bad: Where Flippers Lose Money⚠️ Underestimating Repair Costs: Surprise structural issues, contractor delays, and material price spikes can kill your budget.⚠️ Market Changes: A hot market today might cool down before you sell, which reduces the profit.⚠️ Financing Challenges: Hard money loans carry high interest rates that nibble into the bottom line.Unrealistic timelines: If you think you're going to be in and out in 60 days, you're sadly mistaken-most flips take longer than expected.Real Talk: Is Fix and Flip Still Worth It?

Many investors in your situation also explore seller financing or subject-to deals to minimize upfront costs, especially if they find a seller open to creative terms.