Hello BiggerPockets Community,I'm embarking on an exciting journey to acquire and renovate a duplex from 1900, aiming to tackle the inherent challenges of outdated insulation and the lack of modern vapor and air barriers.

A few things to watch out for when buying homes this age would be electrical, insulation, sewer and plumbing.

Sandblasted the storm windows > foam backer > insulation > then cement board right over it for tiling. 

Is floor insulation required? 

It takes into account what size and type of windows you have, where the windows are located, insulation in the walls and ceiling, the type of construction etc.

I am about to add a shell in Dubai to further insulate and add more protection.   

Well-insulated walls cut down on noise.

They are running the water in the house and the house is insulated, so the actual temp in the house will be above freezing.

get an umbrella policy to protect yourself, see if you need a rental license in your municipality. an LLC is only for insulating you for liability and anonymity, it will not save you on taxes and you really dont need to worry about it with one property imo . you cant protect a single property from lawsuit, insurance is what covers you just make sure you’re up to code. insurance will always look for a way to get out of covering an incident.if you register, you’ll want to report the income. if you make less than expected after deducting costs, then it’s time to raise rent. you wont be able to reduce more to reduce other income streams since you're not a full time real estate investorin the future if you ever sell, because it’s a rental now you will owe capital gains on the property. philly is probably like ohio and not california with it’s YoY growth being tied to inflation. with that said your profit is mainly going to be the equity you build from your tenant paying your mortgage. the money earned monthly should be saved as youre doing in case you have a capex repair/replacement come in like HVAC, roofing, etci advise you pay for an hour to speak to a CPA to better your options.good luck

This rental property will be designed with a keen focus on generating a healthy cash flow.Project Blueprint:Budget: Allocated at $200,000, covering construction and all related expenses.Focus: To merge energy efficiency, durability, and tenant comfort with cost-effective construction strategies, making the rentals both affordable and sustainable.Location: Currently scouting – I'm open to suggestions and insights on ideal locations supporting this vision.Strategic Planning:Efficient Design & Planning: I'm considering compact, multi-functional layouts to optimize space usage and incorporate cost-saving construction methods without compromising quality.Sustainability & Efficiency: The plan includes investing in top-notch insulation, air sealing, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable materials to reduce the building's carbon footprint and operational costs.Budget Management & Cost-Saving Initiatives: Careful budgeting and exploring value engineering options are crucial, alongside seeking out grants or incentives for energy-efficient building projects.Community & Sustainability Goals: To create shared amenities to foster a community feel and implement systems encouraging tenants to monitor and reduce their energy consumption.Seeking Community Insights on:Cost-Effective Building Strategies: How can I ensure the project remains within budget while achieving high sustainability and efficiency standards?