Interest or debt od non-earning assets is part of the cost of that item, so the price is much higher.I have to laugh when I see furniture stoes say, zero interest for one year!

Adding ammenities, such as a patio area and outdoor kitchen?

Now that they have moved, I have a crack in the patio.

There is no furniture in the house. ofgift

The list goes on and on and may include: landscaping, exterior lighting, mailbox, patio/deck, air conditioning (although it probably has it considering your area), etc.Also consider the quality of the home.

He took it.Saw one place where the only furniture in the house was a lawn chair, portable TV and a smaller bed than I had in my Air Force barracks.

What we are doing out here in california is the following Model:1) purchase a Home either Trustee Sale or REO A) 2 Beds 1 Bath B) 750 -1100 Sq Ft Living Space C) 7000 Minimum Lot Size2) I have a contractor that will add 2 Beds and 1 bath and 1 Patiofor the low--Low--Price of 50K (In California that's cheap).3) Sell it Just under Market Value for a house that size and if they use my mortgage guy I will Pay ALL Closing Costs.EX: Property Purchased at Trustee Sale = 300,000Add 2 beds 1 bath 1 Patio + Permits = 55,000Sell for Market Value 525,000Pay Closing Costs @ 5% 26,250Make Profit of: 143,750Not bad for a 5 months Work.Joseph

I want it bif enough for a table and chair then when you walk down the steps there will be a patio amde from pavers.

My sister-in-law uses craigslist consistantly for furniture, roomates, etc.

With regard to the unit, even for rental properties, I think it's critical to stage the unit with reasonably nice, and color-coordinated furniture that allows the prospective renter to "visualize" living there.