Eliminate debt, establish a budget, and save.

In addition I am giving him freedom to explore (to a certain extent) on my dime.

@Shayan Sameer If you can service all debt and property expenses and have money left over then I'd say it's worth it.

In addition to what was said above, for the software that has a free trial option, sign up for it and use the software for a day (or at least a few hours) as if you are using it for real, then call their customer support too and get a feel for that. 

Or do they leverage debt, and use the subsidies to cover the equity needed?

Meeting some people tonight there to create a scope of work and do some additional discovery.

Well, a lot of life happened and now I am getting back to zero no debt and I'll be renting for now and I am considering a duplex to buy cash or maybe land and some sort of unconventional home but still purchasing cash.

Best Value adds are:Updated kitchen, updated bathrooms, cosmetic remodels.Additional bathrooms - finished basement spaces, in unit washer dryer, central air, additions/alterations.All of those are useless though if your roof is 30 years old, your mechanicals are from pre 1950's, and your home is in dire need to be renovated "behind the walls"Otherwise the above will increase your value but you will be left with Lipstick on a Pig

If you want to play a passive role, a real estate syndication or debt fund could be a great way to go.

The only additional thing that needs to happen is make sure appraiser makes note of why the value increase in as is vs previous purchase price.