saying you don't want to remove the tub bc you may uncover more unknown issues is like saying you don't want to go into the attic bc you're afraid the roof may be leaking and you may find water...in my opinion, resurfacing a tub that has "issues" is putting lipstick on a pig in some situations...i just called a contractor the other day asking for prices..500, but he said he'd do the tile surround for another 300 bucks....NO THANKS...i can have my contractor throw in a brand new tub for way less than that.

Anyone interested in need of lipstick rehab job - in the last two years new fence, HVAC, 20 windows, kitchen ten years old ~ 4,500 square feet 4br 2.2 baths three levels, pool an so close - three lights  to 66 - and one exit from 495 and hot lanes.  

It only works for lipstick properties; I.e.  

Taking a lipstick approach to rehabbing.

If they are the old windows, you know to add that into the budget which also includes stucco.From my standpoint, unless the target property is a lipstick on the pig deal, the rehab budget should be pretty damn close from a legitimate rehabber making the offer.I also want to point out that while I too am in full agreement with J's positions of the seller, keep in mind that the offer sight unseen does not have to go into escrow and be accepted by seller until AFTER the buyer has seen it physically anyways.

Find something a little more run down, slap some lipstick on it and you could be in for the same rents with a significantly lower payment.

Nice nails, clean, all one color if painted, watch the lipstick too.Shoes same as mentioned above, polish, no scuffed up flats.

Fix & Flip is also risky, but fix & flip is more about finding a pig at a discount and hopefully just putting some lipstick on it, selling it for nice profit, and moving on.

Shady owner putting lipstick on a pig and leaving some sucker holding the bag (painting over rusted steel structure, cement over cracked foundation blocks, etc).

Previous landlord did some lipstick on a pig updates that I'll need to do right, and previous tenant did some damage before moving out (and stole the fridge).