However, the approval process can be pretty tough, especially if you're working on a larger project or have a shorter timeline.Private Lenders: These options are typically much faster and more flexible, which is key when scaling development projects.

Any expenses you put in to renovation or repairs are not deductible, but must be capitalized after the property is in service. 

I personally own/live in a historic home and I can promise you this: it will cost you more - a lot more - to renovate and maintain the property. 

Selling several properties and using the proceeds to purchase one larger property.

This gets my mortgage payment barely at break even for LTR value, (could be negative cash flowing), and lowers to about a 6% CoC (with down payment, renov and furnishings' costs)About 1.5 pt lower than my goal and with an MAO $10K higher than I wanted.b.

I run sum numbers for you please see comments below before refinancing and post refinancing .If I were in your position, I would approach it as follows:Initial Investment Assumptions: Market Value: $360,000 Purchase Price: $360,000 Equity: $0,000Financial Breakdown: Hard Money Loan (LTV 100%): $360,000 Interest Rate: 10% (30-Year Amortization) Monthly Payment: $1,995Upfront Costs: Origination fee (1%): $3,600 Closing Costs (3%): $10,800 Renovation Costs: $10,000 2 Month of Carrying Costs During Renovation: $5,390Total Upfront Required: $29,790Total Capital InvestmentPurchased price $360,000 Upfront Costs $29,790Total: $389,790To make this investment work, you need to rent the whole property for at least $3,165/month, refinance it let say after one year with 5% interest with a traditional mortgage.Year One Rent: Monthly Rent Income: $3,165 Monthly Rent Losses during renovations (2 Months): -$6,330 (-$527/month distributed over 12 months) Total Rent Income: $31,650 per year => $ 2,638 per monthMonthly Expenses: Hard Money Loan Payment (10% Interest): $1,995 / per month interest only Property Tax (Assuming $3,000/year): $250 per month Property Insurance (Assumption): $100 per month Utilities (Hydro, Gas, Water): $292 per month Assuming 0% Vacancy first year Assuming 0 % Repairs & Maintenance first year because unit has been recently renovated Total Monthly Expenses: $2,637Monthly Net Cash Flow: $1Post-Renovation Refinancing Strategy:So far, we’ve purchased the property, completed renovations, and rented it out.Next, you can approach the bank for a refinance to consolidate your initial investment of $29,790 plus your 360k debt into a mortgage.

Hard money loans are popular for covering both purchase and renovation costs, though they come with higher interest rates.

Hey Quentin, It sounds like you’re in a solid position to start your real estate investment journey, especially with the equity you’ve built up in your home and your ability to handle renovations.

@Mary LopezYou have to ask around to local commercial lenders or some of the larger Finance of America type lenders.

One thing I did note is my insurance is $3K a year lower due to the monitored fire suppression system in these larger properties versus my smaller properties that sleep 12 or less built close to the same time.As someone who has lived in Illinois twice, the politicians there don't care if people burn as long as they can tax and spend.