Some contractors can remodel a kitchen and put in flooring/paint, and some can build ground up.

We used the “homeboy remodeling company” and the house still is not completed (almost ~10 months).

Remodeled Kitchen and Bathroom, updated AC Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

We know some people that are looking for rental (1-2 months) while they are finishing up their home re-modeling. 

From my research, I understand that as a homeowner one is not required to issue a 1099 for the $ paid for the remodel.

We opted to deal with the “homeboy remodeling company” – mistake #1!

To assess what type of upgrades to do and which will return for you - do some research into what other rentals in the area are renting for and scope of renovations they have - i.e. if the comparable rentals all have painted the 1970 cabinets - then you can do similar and not drop $40k+ on  full gut/ remodel.

Remodeled cosmetically mostly while living there.

Remodeled cosmetically mostly while living there.

Several things make this my best investment strategy.Obviously, the problem (that I am currently working on) is to find a financial institution (private lenders are too much expensive) that is willing to refinance a property just after the purchase/remodeling/rent.