Now I need to decide if I continue to rent furnished or store the furniture and rent unfurnished for $200 less/month.The apartment supply has increased and I have more competition. 

Maybe self list the property or get discount side to save 3% because your margin is so thin.If you have nice furniture maybe sell the unit furnished with a bill of sale to get extra cash for less out of pocket and then get financed furniture for your new place that you can pay for over time etc. it would also help save on moving costs.

How many months before I buy a house should I start buying household items (furniture, kitchenware etc.)?  

Decide if you will be providing furniture for the bedrooms/separate dwelling units or not.7.

Was just moving into my new apartment and found a complete leather sectional on craigslist for just $50.. some old lady just wanted it out of her living room.

-Jason E.Learn to walk and talk, it takes shoe leather!

if you are planning to do the work yourself and can stand plaster dust destroying your electronics and furniture,horrendous paint odors you might be ok. the contractors doing the rehab will definitely not like it. rent a trailer with a bath and kitchenette and live in the driveway until completion. doing this will be better for everyone's sanity!

You might add the "shoe leather" avenues:- going to the county superior court and collecting:- divorces- evictions, get the landlord contact (plaintif)- delinquent real estate taxesDoor knocking FSBO signs, calling FSBOs in craigslist, using peoplesmart.com searches on owners of tall grass houses...

We gave them old furniture & appliances that others would throw to the curb.So if is just a 'business' would you evict & take the profit???

The investor and I used our own furniture to stage the property.