Know the architectural styles of Federal, Italianate, and Renaissance and share with neighbors, get them to care.

I’m in the Syracuse area and I honestly think that I’m seeing house style properties move a little quicker in the rental area than the traditional apartment style

I was quoted around $94 per sq ft for a duplex style (2240 sq ft). 

at this stage I would encourage him to put the cash in a brokerage account paying 5%  like T bills and keep searching and as well I would also advise to househack first before buying low end looks great on paper rentals find a nice duplex buy it live in one side rent the other rinse repeat.

The only way t estimate execution of repairing/refurbishing or remodeling of a structure is to physically perform an estimate.

Figure out your investment style first and then you can ask more specific questions on different ways to achieve that goal.

Hey there, do you have any recommendations for an agent in the Seattle area to talk through the potential properties to operate a family entertainment style of business?  

@Theresa Harris @Henry T.

I've worked with many investors who sought a life style change and wanted to take a more passive role in their real estate.https://www.biggerpockets.com/member-blogs/7993/48729-are-yo...Hope this helps.

(And may even push you to a SFH rent-by-the-room or SFH with ADU/basement apartment style)-- Don't over think it.