@David D Painter Your story is really interesting, it is exactly what i want to do !!!

@David D Painter @Victor Nelson So equity increases your net worth but mortgages do not decrease it?

David D Painter

David D Painter what do you use on hardwood floors if you don't want to primer them?

David D Painter Love that!

Your painter knows what he is doing. 

Also, I am in need of a painter/laborer to prep the exterior wood siding for paint.

I'm owner/operator president, board, hired labor and disgruntled painter of my operation.

Not to mention, if a painter or a roofer tells me that he suggests using a different strategy than all the rest of the painters and roofers, I'm probably not going to be interested.Just my experience...And btw, if I needed a contract written or some other legal work where I wasn't looking for a "strategy" or "solution," I'd love to be able to put a bunch of lawyers in the room and get competing bids. 

The term "renovate" means different things to different people.First I'd take a look at the lease and see who is responsible for what.Second, I'd look into doing the "hero" type stuff as a priority....Replacing appliances is a cheap and easy way to look like a hero.Replacing furnace/water heater to something more efficient so she saves on utilities makes you look like a hero.Replacing windows to something more energy friendly so she can save on utilities makes you look like a hero.Cosmetic stuff can be cleaned, but I would encourage the family to get carpets cleaned or to spend the money to get a cleaning crew in there to give the place a good scrubbing - she is more than likely responsible for that in the lease.Paint is easy, but she may not be receptive to painters or to the smell of paint and that may cause some more tension.Good luck!