A new cooktop/oven range and slide-in refrigerator is part of this project, as are replacing laminate countertops and installing a new sink and faucet.

@Mike Obrien,I have been dealing with a similar thing, and unless you can see a crack in the foundation, it may just be a very poor tile installation job.     

Make sure you put discount clauses and subordination verbiage in your offer.Use the Installment down payment clause.A Front Porch clause can be used to completely eliminate the down payment requirement.Write in your offer that seller pays all transfer, contributes X-$'s to you at settlement and that you receive all positive escrows if there is a mortgage to be paid off, and the seller agrees to leave stuff in the house or garage - all furniture, the old car in the garage, tools and garden stuff.

I'm being told that they brought new drains up to the roof, did not install them, and then took them back down.

Furthermore, understanding the resident characteristics allows me to measure the target market and modify my investment strategy accordingly.Inspection ChecklistSituations vary from one property to the next, but here is an on-site inspection checklist to get you started:Interior Units:Inspect vacant units, including one of each finish out type (Classic, Reno, etc.).Check all down units.Inspect one unit from each unit mix.Exteriors:Landscape:Look for overgrown bushes.Identify trees that need trimming (no branches hanging over the roof).Take pictures of the following:Curb appeal on all sides facing the street.Landscape around the office and amenities.Overgrown bushes or trees.Any dead landscape.Areas that may need sod or mulch.Assess drainage:Ensure water flows away from building foundations.Check slope, gutters, downspouts, surface drains, French drains, etc.Exterior Walls:Determine the existing material (wood, vinyl, Hardie, brick, stone).Assess the condition of the walls.Note if painting is required.Take pictures of each building, including building number, each elevation (clockwise), and any breezeways or niches.Windows:Evaluate the condition of existing windows.Consider whether solar screens should be installed.Roof:Identify the type of roof.Assess its condition and age.Parking Lot:Check for potholes.Assess the need for restriping.Note whether the parking lot is concrete or asphalt.Evaluate drainage issues.Walkway:Look for tripping hazards.Assess drainage issues.Foundation/Gutters:Inspect for cracks in the brick.Check for separation in corners from fascia and trim boards.Evaluate drainage and identify poor drainage areas.Amenities:Identify possible improvements.Consider adjustments or additions that can enhance amenities.Talk to the Staff:Maintenance: Inquire about the physical condition.Office: Discuss current residents, delinquency, and potential changes to add value.Assess whether rents are too high or too low.Confirm rents and what is included/not included.Confirm other sources of income and associated charges.Confirm occupancy, pre-release, and vacancy numbers.Note: Maintain professionalism and avoid insulting the owner or broker, regardless of the property's condition.Keep in mind that investing in real estate is like solving a puzzle—you need all the pieces to see the big picture.

But I don’t know anyone who installs.

Purchased for $185k and fully renovated the home down to the drywall and installed an A/C, sprinklers and light landscaping for $25K.

Considering adding a hot tub to my Poconos short-term rental property and wanted to get your thoughts on a few things:1.Patio vs. basement installation for the hot tub?

if you have the ability to provide these appliances and  can hook them up safely and  easily -   do it and increase the rent a bit  ....if it is  challenging to get these installed / hooked up - forego the  appliances and make  rent lower for the tenants inconvenienece

You may need a building permit to install signage and depending on the area you may need an architect's drawing of it.