Increased Property Value: Well-maintained properties with thoughtfully executed improvements can significantly increase in value.

For example is there new construction, sidewalks, and other transit improvements happening.

Here are some options and considerations:Loan Against Equity/ETFs:Margin Loans:Description: Margin loans allow you to borrow money using your investments (such as stocks or ETFs) as collateral.Pros:You retain ownership of your investments.Generally quick access to funds.Interest rates can be relatively low compared to other types of loans.Cons:Your investments are used as collateral, so if their value declines significantly, you may face a margin call (requiring additional funds or securities).Interest rates can vary and may be higher than traditional loans depending on the lender and your creditworthiness.Securities-Based Line of Credit (SBLOC):Description: Similar to margin loans, SBLOCs use your securities (stocks, ETFs) as collateral, but they typically provide more flexibility and may not trigger margin calls as easily.Pros:Allows for ongoing access to funds as long as your collateral remains sufficient.Interest rates may be competitive.Cons:Similar risks of potential margin calls if the value of your securities drops significantly.Terms and interest rates can vary widely among lenders.Comparison with 401(k) Loans:401(k) Loans:Description: Borrowing from your 401(k) allows you to access funds without selling investments, using your retirement savings as collateral.Pros:Typically low interest rates.No credit check required.Interest paid on the loan goes back into your 401(k) account.Cons:Usually capped at a percentage of your vested balance (commonly up to 50% or $50,000).If you leave your job, the loan may need to be repaid immediately or could be considered a taxable distribution.Potential opportunity cost of missing out on market gains if funds are withdrawn from investments.Other Alternatives:Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC):Description: If you own a home with equity, a HELOC allows you to borrow against that equity at typically lower interest rates than unsecured loans.Pros:Lower interest rates compared to other types of loans.Interest may be tax-deductible if used for home improvements (consult a tax advisor).Cons:Your home serves as collateral, so failure to repay could result in foreclosure.Personal Loans:Description: Unsecured personal loans can be used for various purposes, including investing, but typically have higher interest rates than loans secured by collateral.Pros:No collateral required.Funds can be used for any purpose.Cons:Higher interest rates and stricter eligibility criteria based on creditworthiness.I am a loan officer and we do some of the loans stated above.

I wanted to find a property to improve that had a good foundation and structure, but needed a lot of cosmetic work.How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

These updates modernized the property, improved its curb appeal, and significantly increased its market value.

Let's say my 1st mortgage balance is $600k and I want to take out a 2nd mortgage for $150k for home improvements which makes the interest on the 2nd deductible as well.

Deegan and @Arda Bircan There are technically 7 Tests for Material Participation (but 3 that are most common) -> the individual 500 hour mark, that the activity of the individual is substantially all, and that the individual participates more than 100 hours + no-one else spends more time than them.Litmus Test: Are your hours integral to the operationsThe hours that qualify must be substantially all hours and have a legitimate impact on the rental activities.Activities that generally count: showing the property for rent, taking tenant applications & screening tenants, preparing & negotiating leases, cleaning & preparing the units for rent, repairs, and improvements, managing the construction, purchasing supplies & materials, inspecting the property, responding to tenant complaints & inquiries, collecting & depositing rents, evicting tenants, writing & placing advertisements, and working on your websiteActivities that don't count: education & research, investor-type activities, and travel time..

Negotiate with seller using the inspection report.Visit the area to get a feel for the weather/amenitiesIf you’re looking to get your money back down the line, don’t over spend on improvements Hope this helps! 

It's your opportunity to improve your lease agreement and to enforce lease terms that you want enforce and that may not have been in the prior lease.

Below are two charts that show the amount of unsold "improved" properties.