How many properties do you own and what's the total estimated value?

And if a property is owner occupied, how can you secure a loan with a hard money lender not being able to view the home to estimate repairs?

Also, as I prepare for estimates, would be helpful to know where my in year deductions actually are.  

@Robert Gorra - I've had a similar experience where I've had a really hard time with getting GC's to even give me an estimate, and the few that have have been way overpriced (ie, they want me to put in $20k of cabinets in a budget flip) or have had their prices go up by about 40% and still not give me a firm price when I try to nail down the scope of work.

After closing costs, it was about $107K.

Currently, I have about $20K left on mortgage and estimate value is$175K.

Target neighborhoods like Brewerytown, Kensington, and Point Breeze, where demand and ARV potential are currently strong.Your skills in renovations will give you a significant edge in controlling costs and boosting returns.

You have to include the cost of your time and the work, especially on a "scary house" is daunting indeed. 

@David F.As Russell mentioned co-ops are probably 1/2 the price of a condo and you would also have extensive costs to set up a co-op and typically it’s my understanding the builder funds the first 1-2 years of reserves.

One of the things I'm trying to figure out is if I'm better off getting a few lower cost properties or on higher priced property.