distressed properties do occasionally hit the MLS at a good price, but not very often.my second real estate purchase was out of state, it was just a cosmetic rehab and i had to make several trips up to corral everything and get it rent ready. 

We will put about $2,000 into cosmetic updates and plan to resell it for $160,000-$175,000 What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?

Some properties require only cosmetic upgrades, while others may need extensive repairs to meet local codes and buyer expectations.

Although it was determined to not be needed, i did a repipe on the property, and performed cosmetic upgrades.

I’ll likely close on the property around early November and it will need small cosmetic updates, maybe a new deck, and of course new furniture set up.

   $30/sqft for cosmetic interior reno

For a first property I’m hoping to avoid a heavy rehab so light cosmetic fixes and likely will be low if any cash flow as it’s mostly an appreciation market.

I recommend that you build trust with local contractors first and starting with properties that are move-in ready or just need a little cosmetic touch-up.

I only plan to do cosmetic work on my own.

Buy a solid place that needs cosmetics and get it done right the first time around and be happy for years to come.That is my 2 cents.