In your case, addressing the vacancies with hard money might indeed help improve the DSCR for the institutional loan.

Despite the minimal investment, these updates improved the home's marketability, making it more attractive to potential buyers.

Hello, I am a software developer and I have a data science friend who we want to team up on making software in the real estate niche.Tell me, as a real estate professional, please dream of your ideal software. what kind of software or software feature do you wish you had or wish that can be improved upon.

If he needs to make improvements to increase value, is one reason.

Batteries are at 98% so that isn't the issue.For those that have other smart locks, have you seen anything like that?

Wouldn't it have to be a leasehold improvement which has its own tax treatment?

However, if improvements were substantial then indeed a Cash out refi will be your best bet, and depending on your credit score, and cash flow you will be between 75%-80%. 

I want to use my expertise for my father and stretch the dollars to make additional changes like new front door, adding metal awning, and generally improve the street appeal. 

From my understanding if 75% of rents cashflow over PITI it actually improves you DTI for approval is this correct assuming have 2 years landlord experience?

It’s almost like living with free housing.Sweat Equity: You can add value to the property by improving it.