Cut the grass, trim trees, keep the roads usable, a nice sign out front... are there any other aesthetics that you feel has a + ROI, either by keeping/obtaining tenants or raising rents?

Plus, you'd be surprised how often opportunities arise to represent someone and make some quick cash;- You'll get access to the forms you need;- You'll get access the MLS and some potential deal flow;- You'll have the ability to list short sales (if that's your cup of tea);- You'll be able to network with lots of others in the industry;- You'll learn all the basics of real estate that you're currently confused about.

The property I just made an offer on has a large oak tree in the far right corner of the backyard.

thank you for your reply Bob, yeah the original main valve at the curb will be null because is seating next to a tree that the roots rapped around through out the years and can't get to it.

Very nice area, lot's o trees.

WorthQuiet, older neighborhood with lots of rentalsAsking price $48K, was marketed as a triplexI offered $30K cashDOM 7They countered $40K cash and a short closing date(10 days)I was able to do my own inspectionsDiscovered 4 kitchens and 4 bathrooms.Needs trees trimmed, roof, minor interior repairs and cleanup.Should be worth $80K-$100K when finishedI uncovered a city lien against property for grass cutting(they had to pay for)During title work a federal lien was uncovered(they had to pay for)We closed on the last possible day at 4:00pmObservations:I used a buyers agent to represent myself.

After that I had tenant's list EVERYONE in the family tree on my applications.

You know the quote about not being able to see the trees vs. the forest.The WSJ is a great paper with great writers.

Then there is one that looks like a tree found in the region.

That includes partial sheetrock, vanities, kitchen redo(maybe cabinets), texture, paint, crown, fixtures, electrical fixes, etc.Most of the house needs sheetrock, the kitchen has to be completely redone, it needs at least one bathroom (but it will be WAY more marketable with 2), it needs ALOT of remodeling thru the entire house, it needs all new windows, a new roof, a new furnace, the upstairs is nothing but studs, it needs to have some fill brought in, there are two trees that have grown onto the roof and the whole house needs to be sided.Phew.