Planning to do the same to the second unit in August.We've been doing lots of landscaping and plan to:-replace the front fence-replace the shed -paint the outside -add better ventilation through the roof What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?

In DeCleene, 115 T.C. 457 (2000) the taxpayer closed on a vacant lot and then transferred the lot to a third-party while improvements were constructed.

Focus on functional and aesthetic improvements that align with the neighborhood's standards.Managing the Property:1.

Why do you want to use a cut rate contractor to improve or repair your major investment?

Trying to learn, improve, and meet new people every day. 

I would highlight the improvements, yet keep it brief since you will lose interested folks if you make it too lengthy.Greg's input is interesting with the videos. -- Greg, does Facebook still post your video ads in your area only now that you can't choose zip codes?

When you look at the data and strip out flipping activity the appreciation of improved properties is pretty much zero.

For a $300,000 property, this could be $6,000 to $15,000.Mortgage on Rental Property:Loan Amount: $240,000 (assuming 80% financed at 4% interest over 30 years).Monthly Payment: Approximately $1,145.Other Expenses:Property Taxes: Estimated at 1.5% of property value annually ($4,500).Insurance: Estimated at $1,500 annually.Maintenance: Estimated at 1% of property value annually ($3,000).Property Management Fees: Assuming 10% of monthly rental income ($2,400 annually if rent is $2,000 per month).Vacancy and Turnover Costs: Estimated at 5% of annual rental income ($1,200).Total Initial Investment and Annual Operating ExpensesInitial Investment:Total Borrowed from Equity: $150,000Down Payment for Rental Property: $60,000Closing Costs for Rental Property: $10,500 (average)Total Initial Cash Outlay: $70,500 (initial investment from equity) + $10,500 (closing costs)Annual Operating Expenses:Property Taxes: $4,500Insurance: $1,500Maintenance: $3,000Property Management Fees: $2,400Vacancy and Turnover Costs: $1,200Total Operating Expenses: $12,600 annuallyExpected ReturnRental Income:Assuming $2,000 per month, annual rental income = $24,000.Net Operating Income (NOI):Annual Rental Income: $24,000Minus Annual Operating Expenses: $12,600NOI: $11,400Debt Service:Mortgage Payment on Rental Property: $1,145 per month, $13,740 annually.Total Debt Service: $13,740 (rental property) + $8,592 (equity loan) = $22,332 annually.Net Cash Flow:NOI: $11,400Minus Debt Service: $22,332Net Cash Flow: -$10,932 annually (negative cash flow initially due to high debt service).Cash-on-Cash ReturnInitial Cash Investment: $70,500Net Cash Flow (first year): -$10,932Cash-on-Cash Return: Not applicable initially due to negative cash flow.Long-Term Appreciation and AdjustmentsProperty Appreciation:Assuming a 3% annual appreciation, the property value could increase by $9,000 annually.Rent Increases:Assuming a 2% annual rent increase, rental income will rise, improving cash flow over time.

@Erwin Zelaya in my opinion, anything you can learn about home construction / improvements / remodeling / maintenance / landscaping is immensely valuable in this game.

So keep an eye out for any major improvements needed in the first few years of your ownership (roofs, exteriors, HVAC, electrical rewiring, etc) Things to know before starting: Make sure you buy at a basis in-line or below market comps (on a per unit or rent multiple basis).