Unless the neighborhood where your property is located has experienced a dramatic shift toward higher income residents, there is no cosmetic upgrade that will give you a return on investment.

I work split shifts and online is the best option for me.

I don't think age was a key factor for us, but I'm grateful that we shifted our thinking and strategy while we have time to really benefit from the fruits of cash flow and long term appreciation, but I think attitude and financial savvyiness (sp?)

After learning more about the pitfalls of sinking too much into my 401k account, I've decided to shift my focus into RE rather than maxing out my 401k and my wife's TSP account annually.With it being a new year (and bonus season!)

I work the grave yard shift and want to do this during the day.

You essentially become a cash buyer based on your line of credit and may shift things in and out alternately buying and paying.I hope this helps!

I'd love to shift to rentals because I'm tired of getting hammered by income taxes.  

Loan programs do evolve and shift over time, and we all remember how they tighten up in bad times and loosen up in good times,  another good reason to buddy up to your ace lender friends.Deb Perisian       Investor, realtor, WA & ID.

I'm in similar shoes as you are and lately have been re-shifting my focus to multifamily. 

You cannot just shift the income if another person also owns the property.