Because I retired a few years earlier, I don't have a huge runway to recoup after big mistakes but I need reliable investment vehicles, that can still deliver a decent return within a 3-5 yr. window with surety and consistency. 

That light is going to go, don’t worry :)The scope of work is pretty much everything: kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, gutters, deck, fencing etc…, except for most of the windows and walls/drywall, which I was able to save (except for the front unit, which had some rough popcorn ceiling).The kitchen should look something like this render:There wasn’t room for a dishwasher and what I felt was enough cabinet space so I’m going without for the first time in one of these smaller units.

Quick tips…✅ Everyday Homeowners - track all home improvements as you could qualify for energy efficiency home improvement credit - new exterior windows, new central A/C, new hot water heater, new insulation material.✅ Investors - Keep detailed records of ALL rental property expenses to reduce your taxable income - helping your CPA spot additional tax saving opportunities.Imperative to use a CPA who is well versed in Real Estate tax code.My CPA is just that - DM me to get his contact information....

I think there are two maybe 3 ways to look at this in my mind.  1) you go into it and bring it all up to modern standards but using that old charm to basically take what is there bring it up to modern standards and rent it out essentially I'm thinking cocktail bar or something trendy like that.2) most banks are on really good centrally located real estate if this is true, then I'd consider it for the dirt, plan to scrape the lot and go vertical with whatever the highest and best use is.3) a kind of combo of the two, if the lot is in a good location and its doable, pull the vaults or other "character pieces" out of the building, scrape the lot, and build whatever is best suited for the site there, but incorporate those historical pieces into the final designs.Is the site near a major retail area? 

It may be a 3-day window after.

@Jewell ArceneauxHow to drive ARV (my opinion)Improvements that drive the ARV the most: Roof, New Kitchen & Bathrooms, Flooring, PaintImprovements that DON’T drive the ARV as much: Windows, Landscaping, Driveway, Rough Plumbing & Electrical

Purchase price: $179,000 Cash invested: $25,000 Sale price: $500,000 Replaced windows, remodeled kitchen and bathroom, replaced siding What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?

Just a heads up: Windows Defender, the basic one installed on your personal computer, is good enough for personal usage.

Are there any windows in this home?

Newer appliances, free nice laundry, 2nd floor, yard space, storage, clean bathroom, included heat, installed window A/C.Appraisal suggested the unit was worth 2,300 a month, which I felt was a bit high, so I listed it for $2,150 with no move in fee and a 2k deposit.