Never take their word for it, a sellers perception of necessary repairs and cost is usually way off.

I put my experience vs most people’s perceptions into a blog.  

. $2000 repair/ replacement costs.Some issues with loitering+drugs in the front/back: password-protected front gate+installing Ring cameras with lights/sirens+more secure new back entrance mentioned above all helped a lot.Keep on crushing it Vasily Rossokhin

The backyard is an eye sore perception issue so you need to replace dry rot, paint, add drought tolerant or add a deck.If it takes also 60 some days I will be concerned with interest charges etc.

On the flip side its definitely more expensive, that's usually the case when there's a higher perception of risk from the lender's perspective.You're always going to make your money when you buy, so if you get a project under contract for the right price, you're going to make money.

It is far too easy to create the perception of intent as resale which would blow your exchange up.  

And all that leads to the perception of a un-cool and un-sexy industry. 

Appreciate the wisdom Jay Hinrichs and David Faulkner It could my perception is not matching reality when it comes to rents and values in the California markets I'm familiar with.

When your having your doubts just keep pushing toward your goals and doors will open up as your mindset and perception changes.

It's different for all of us and, accordingly (at least in my view) not worthy of debate in a forum that exists for the purpose of sharing knowledge and experience rather than passing judgement on perceived motivations.This is the primary reason why I chose the tagline "I would rather be judged by the quality of my contributions rather than perceptions of my motivations" in my profile.