RecommendationGiven your goal of minimizing upfront costs while keeping control, here’s how you might proceed:Conduct a Thorough Title Search: Before committing, make sure there are no surprises in the title.

I would say its extremely important to have a quick (like 60 second elevator pitch) for why you want to enter the business and what returns you are looking to get. 

Husband and I are considering buying his parents' home and I have some questions about this and would love any feedback on how to minimize hassle and our costs.

The key is establishing routines and systems that minimize your day-to-day involvement.By using professionals, keeping investments simple, and managing your time efficiently, you can build your real estate portfolio while working full-time. 

Those may help craft a plan for how to minimize the pain. 

I understand dead money but with high interest rates and putting minimal money down or re-fying leaving 80% LTV the margins on SFR's is extremely tight. 

Modern farm house look.. take a look at my new builds paint jobs  www.ivyridgeestatescanby.com  also landscaping putting a couple tiny plants does not do it in my mind.. but I know out in the mid west etc landscaping is very minimal compared to what we offer here in the NW or what buyers expect. 

These factors minimize your risk and ensure that you have an investment, not just a rental. 

May be a tough pitch but can happenThis is also pending sufficient space exists to add them.

You sound like someone could pitch you on almost anything right now and if the number seemed good, you would dump your appreciation cash in the bucket.