I self perform most of my construction at this point and find it very difficult to make ground up construction pencil in Philadelphia unless I am selling for $400/ft.

I started my solo-shop last summer and looking for ways to improve!

You may borrow an additional $35000 for hard cost improvements.

@Philip AndersonMultifamily properties in Ventura can perform well due to the area's high rent demand, but inventory can be tight.

I plan to act as the general contractor for these two new units, performing most of the work myself.

My strategy would then be to lease at least two of the renovated units, increasing occupancy to 90%, which could improve the chances of securing favorable terms for refinancing.I haven't pitched it to the seller yet.

I cannot comment on the performance of his fund though. 

It has been a steady performer for both appreciation and cash flow over the years.

Quit expecting the tenant to 'perform' for you. 

I was a SWO for 8 years, and the best thing I did to improve my financial life was real estate investing.