I have quite a few contractors I work with here in MD particularly Baltimore county but they travel feel free to shoot me a text 443-683-0928

They instead focus on fully gutting their projects and install entirely new kitchens, bathrooms, fireplaces, accent walls, etc. and any exterior or mechanical upgrades necessary.While I understand this whole hog strategy, part of me says this will end up increasing the value of a home so far beyond other homes in the surrounding area that it wouldn't sell for what it's likely worth.

I'm particularly passionate about Creative Financing with $0 cash.Outside of real estate, I am a Certified Real Estate Appraiser and I enjoy cooking, travel, and water sports.Excited to learn and connect with you all!

(eg Travel medical, post grad, insurance relocation, other random etc)?

We were able to estimate out each unit but still had common area, exterior and some site work that was added to totals. 

It did not help that we had a period (2010-2016 ish) that was just cash-flow and BRRRR heaven and a lot of young investors actually succeded building a cash flow portfolio out of nothing and then quit their W2, traveled the world and YouTube about it, which became an expectation for a lot of noobs until today.

As for my comment on being dangerous - one of my mentors had a vacation rental (pre-Airbnb) in Costa Rica and was mugged while traveling to the house at knifepoint. 

We removed 4 walks (including load baring), installed 2 walls, added half bath, replaced all plumbing and electrical, added new eye brow porch, painted full exterior (changed color), replaced all flooring, new bathroom and kitchen layout with everything replaced (shower, cabinets/vanity, counter, appliances, etc), stocked with new furniture, added mini split, removed gas/wood fireplace and added a new electrical fireplace, and placed initial STR tenant in 2 months and 1 week.  

She leaves her junk all over the parking lot and the exterior stairwell to the utility, storage, and laundry rooms. 

I like long walks on the beach, fine dining and travel....woops!