Seek Properties with Value-Add PotentialInvest in properties with room for improvement.

I was a SWO for 8 years, and the best thing I did to improve my financial life was real estate investing. 

Hey Tod, I took a very brief look at your first listing, airbnb.com/h/newport1bedroom, and the thing that jumps out at me as far as improving it is: address the 1-star review head on without attacking the reviewer.

With things like the ONE Linden plan in Linden, which is a 50M plan to improve the neighborhood.

If enacted, these changes would bolster real estate valuations and enhance returns for investors.How Real Estate Outperforms Under Different ScenariosIf Interest Rates Rise (Higher Inflation):Treasuries: Medium- to long-term bonds lose value, potentially resulting in negative returns.Real Estate: Higher inflation leads to rent growth, boosting net operating income (NOI) and offsetting the impact of higher borrowing costs.If Interest Rates Fall (Cooling Economy):Treasuries: Bonds appreciate in value, improving returns.Real Estate: Lower rates drive cap rate compression, significantly increasing property valuations and returns for investors.Conclusion: Asymmetric Risk-Reward in Real EstateWhile Treasuries offer a safe haven, they also come with limited upside and potential interest rate risks for medium- to long-term maturities.

Your best option would be to refinance your loan (if any) and get a construction loan for the improvements.

We've invested around $50,000 in improvements (central air and hardscaping) and our mortgage is a 30-year fixed at 2.5%, with a PITI of $2400.We think it could rent for $3,750 - $4,000 per month based on local comps.

Appreciation = Specilation/Gambling.We have little control over the factors that affect it, albeit for making improvements that will force it to compare with other likenpropetoes that are in a higher bracket.

We were able to get a full assessment with suggestions to improve the terrain and building in order to support fire prevention.

I do have a very specific and curated buy box, so I know what i'm looking for in terms of zoning, lot size, buildable/improvable sqft, location, etc.With that being said, do you still not recommend going through sheriff sales?