Start with BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginners Guide (free).

Youngens today forget USSR was destroyed with the ultimate weapon of mass destruction, not a nuk-bomb but a DEBT-Bomb.... 

Depending upon your ultimate goal - you have options. 

Recently, I managed a home renovation project where the contractors were paid at closing, which significantly boosted the sales price.

They claim it will boost property value.It might, but I feel like that is should I should have known about prior to purchase and I'm also unsure how the city can do this with out permission or paying for it.

Ultimately tenants who pay on time will do so regardless of the discount, so you are probably just throwing money out the door by giving money to people who would just pay on time anyways.I do recommend a discount for electronic payment.

Start with BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginners Guide (free).

These efforts boosted the property's value, leading to a successful sale at $325,000.

This was 3 years ago and the seller ultimately decided to refinance anyway because rates at the time were more favorable but I believe for illustration purposes, that's the conversation you can have with your lender.

These efforts boosted the property's value, leading to a successful sale at $323,000.