Now we're seeing incredible population and job growth and major companies moving and developing here like Intel and Amazon - great macroeconomics and strong rental demand.

To what extent does landscaping typically add value to a property for the purposes of appraisal and re-financing, compared to other improvements? 

Setting that aside, I don't believe its realistic to buy a home and turn around and flip it without making any improvements.

They do a good job being responsive and getting things done, but the final result was just not there for us.

In my case, I wasn’t sure my land qualified because it was essentially my back yard, but because it was always a separate lot from my house, I was able to still do it because raw land without improvements on it is always considered investment property.

., @Jay Hinrichs and @V.G Jason have done an excellent job of laying out a flaw in your thinking, and I will take it a couple of points further.1.

I have a full time job in  a totally different field and I manage 2 properties.

Further, he can improve the real property to realize a higher sale price.  

What you are not including is vacancy, capital improvements, turnover costs etc.

Just keep in mind your credentials will not impact your success, unlike other jobs.