All work was done with permits......well most of it was ;) * houses are entry level to next step above entry level. fixed up selling price of 100k to 225k$20/SF = minimal work; (house could be lived in as is, although severly needs updating)replace countertops, salvage kitchen cabinates, stainless steel new appliances. light update to bathrooms, paint and new carpet or refinish existing floors. replace most light fixtures and faucets. replace all doors. light electrical and plumbing primarily only to update fixtures.

I did so after the fact - an original steel frame window was left pried open - out of view from the street, with alley access over a fence (the gates were always locked).The company's owner was sympathetic but powerless to do anything other than talk to the group of workers - which he said he did.

Enter new to home buying guy and wife looking to buy a home in San Antonio to live in then rent out.Home listed for $220k it was a flip and was purchased for $60k less than a year ago.Exterior looks wonderful, inside looks great.Original 100yr+ hardwood floors, everything looks very shiny.As we are walking around we start flipping switches, flushing toilets etc.One toilet in particular makes a very gurgly sound that doesn’t seem right and some hall lights don’t work.Our RE agent is all about telling us to hire a General Inspector which will cost about $400 to inspect the property and tell us if anything needs to be fixed.As we look around we start to see more problems.There is a place in the roof where the roof has raised away from the house leaving a sizeable hole to the attic.There is no drip edge along the roof.The breaker box has empty slots in it that let us see into the drywall.Knowing this was a flip we investigated on another Texas State website to look at all the filed permits for the new electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and roofing, and got nothing.No permits filed at that house.Red flag?

Stick with some neutral colors and finishes that folks are going to see when they turn on HGTV (not joking, people get very excited over stainless steel appliances, granite counters, and tile back splashes).  

Since you say there are two doors underneath, a possibility (assuming this structure is level with the rim joist) is to slot the rim joist and cantilever 12-16' 2x8 or 2x10s to take the point load at the house, and then locate the outer beams properly.

This is a list that I have come up with along the way (some of these came off the inspection report):Inspect/clean chimneyInspect/clean dryer ventExterior dryer vent guardSmoke AlarmsCarbon Monoxide DetectorsFire-Rated/Steel Garage entry doorDeadbolts on all exterior doorsOur second rental property is on the market and based on activity will probably be rented in a couple of weeks.  

I need to buy four stainless steel ranges, microwaves, dishwashers and refrigerators.  

We finish them out with stainless steel appliances, granite, vinyl plank floors, etc. 

I agree with you that there are a lot of old steel towns that are great areas for investment.

Get 300 series stainless steel...Google  it.