Photograph everything before you start cleaning-though without similar photos of the move in condition, you may have problems with some things.Then decide if you want to keep the home as a rental or sell it. 

I wondered if we could rehab it and change it's appeal into a desirable space.

We then lost the auction 3 days later because they appealed to the court about the bankruptcy.  

Keep in mind, if the subdivision is not by-right and your investment group wants to seek a variance, you are able to do so as the equitable owner meaning you don't have to purchase the property before submitting your zoning application, receiving your refusal and appealing to the ZBA.

It's also worth revisiting the scope of the renovations you're planning—are there areas where you can save without compromising quality or appeal?

Multi families, given good condition/area etc, also appeal in my opinion to a larger group of people come resale time

-Privacy fence-Curb appeal with mailbox garden, 12ft maple tree in the backyard-Installed laminate flooring in the bedrooms What was the outcome?

I have a friend who’s a photographer so I’m 100% willing to invest in a solid listing.

Hire a true real-estate photographer to take pictures of your properties. 

Hi @AnnMarie Bacchus The BRRRR strategy is definitely very appealing as a starting out investor and it might take a while to find your 1st deal but once you get a grip of all the steps, it gets easier.