You can reduce size, if you go deeper, but that only works if you have steep sites or are willing to add a pump system to the outlet. 

They are even featured in articles, have been profiled and interviewed in the local media outlets, look really good online etc. and have a reputation around town as being highly successful because they have been busy buying a lot of units and making themselves look successful even while doing what I would consider very bad deals.It's smoke and mirrors. 

For reserves, you'll want 3-6 months of potential expenses saved (repairs, vacancies, unexpected costs).

Here are some key red flags to watch for:🔴 Lack of experience: A borrower without a proven track record in real estate projects may struggle to navigate unexpected challenges.🔴 Overly optimistic projections: Unrealistic ARV (after-repair value) or underestimated rehab costs can signal poor planning—or worse, a lack of transparency.🔴 Incomplete or disorganized documentation: Missing detailed plans, financial statements, or timelines could mean the borrower isn’t ready to execute the project successfully.🔴 Over-leveraged finances: Borrowers with excessive debt or insufficient personal capital invested in the deal could pose a greater risk of default.🔴 Questionable property comps: Overstated market values or inappropriate comparables may mean they’re inflating expectations.As always, thorough due diligence is your best protection.

What are some unconventional creative financing strategies you've personally used or encountered in real estate investing that led to unexpected success, and what lessons did you learn from those experiences?

Inspections may cost more upfront, but they can save you from significant headaches and unexpected expenses down the road.Negotiate Hard: Use inspection findings as leverage.If the HVAC is near the end of its life, negotiate a credit for its replacement.If the cast iron plumbing is deteriorating and needs replacement, ask for a credit as well.Sellers often prefer negotiating credits over doing the work themselves.To give you an example: I was once under contract for an old house priced at $170,000.

Same for electrical.....replacing an old GFCI is fine, bit if you're adding more outlets or especially running a new circuit, you'll technically need to get a permit and have it inspected.Now does everyone do this?

Real estate is very tricky, if one can be successful it's because investor can see the hidden pitfalls and trap, and have ability to dance with the unexpected.

If you get a section 8 tenant the authority will need a closet and outlets as well as the egress you mentioned.

@Harsh Poshti from my point of view and given the location's visibility on 355, proximity to the Clarksburg outlet and residential surroundings, a mixed-use approach could maximize your property's potential.