It's a personal decision based on a lot of factors. if you purchase one rent-ready or cash flowing, you do so based strictly on your whatever your personal investing goal and style is.

Ideally, you will be able to find recently (last 6 months, or even the last few weeks) sold properties (at least three) that are as identical in features (style, beds, baths, square footage, lot size, condition) in the same neighborhood as your subject property. 

Standard is for me is high end clients who want to improve their home and return the beauty into their ease style and comfort.

She grew up in a time before the American materialistic life style existed.

He went on to mention that he raised the rents to just under $15 below market rate, and got the tenant to sign a 3 year lease if they would agree to allow a remodel (which he gave them a selection styles to pick from).Thus, he was able to significantly accelerate the asset stabilization process from the very beginning by increasing rents, remodeling, and getting new leases.What's your success, failure, or near casualty that you escaped? 

Investing is all relative...for example, I'll take a B-class property that breaks even every month over a C-Class property that cash flows $600/mo. because it works better for my plan and style...the point is that any rules about returns are crap. 

Now, maybe that style is not for you, as it is less-than could be afforded to someone, but it does strike to the heart of the matter, with a touch of kindness and respect.

Trying to do it Matrix style, if a book is best I will go that route, if there are good sites that give you the cliff notes version that's fine. 

Lastly, there is a loft style space above the garage that could accommodate a studio (no bathroom however).

For curtain rods we get inexpensive "lock seam" curtain rods that are style-neutral and can be found at home depot or amazon.