For example, temporarily stopping utilities to their unit during a repair or if there will be loud noise or a major renovation on the premises. 

Prioritize high-ROI renovations such as kitchen and bathroom upgrades, flooring, and enhancing curb appeal.

@Craig Bowman Recommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a Class A property in Class D area, what quality of tenant will you get?

These may be the easiest because if they are new constructions or full gut rehabs, you can see what the final product value is, and what these developers are buying at.It would be a good skillset to have to actually understand renovation and build cost. 

After experiencing first hand how difficult it is to handle lower tier neighborhood sales, why even consider renovating the remaining properties? 

I was thinking about purchasing a SFH with the VA loan and then taking equity out of the renovated house to put down 20% on another home.

Ya and we are not seeing appreciation in the Smokies right now, unless it's forced appreciation via upgrades/renovations.

Now i plan to buy a house that need renovation to force the appreciation,then resell shortly. 

@Renee CossRecommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a Class A property in Class D area, what quality of tenant will you get?

The opportunity in this part of the market cycle is investors who do not know how to operate.It is not just valuation with renovation, it is valuation through operation.The problem is it just isn't a sexy topic.