However, the risk of significant repairs is not to be taken lightly. 

That extra cash flow isnt safety, its the market signaling with a big red flashing light, Risk.

I've seen rental units get leased with iPhone photos that have good lighting. 

Maybe he can shed some light on this? 

I usually recommend clients a pretty easy cosmetic rehab which is refinish floors, replace cabinets with modern white ones, add a white stone, new appliances, new bathroom vanity/mirror/light fixture and add in unit laundry. 

Leaving the front porch light un-caulked was one they loved to 'gotcha' on..... 

Painting walls, updating fixtures, or handling minor repairs yourself can save thousands upfront.Consider Your Exit Strategy: You’ve got the right idea;house hack for 1-2 years, then convert the property into a long-term rental.

In these early stages of learning and developing as an investor, I'm primarily focused on properties that may require the following: paint, flooring, bathroom/kitchen remodel, drywall, light fixtures, exterior landscaping, siding, or new HVAC.

The market seems to have a lot going for it with the beach, the lively downtown, the historical appeal and the night of lights draw during the winter months.

.- You close on December 10th- The property is in great shape and does not need any significant repairs- It only needs some paint touch-up and changing a couple of broken fixtures, which you do yourself- You spend the next week buying furniture, electronics and supplies and installing/arranging everything yourself- You also roll up your sleeves and scrub the toilets and sinks and appliances- You put it on AirBnB/VRBO and have your first guest renting it for the 3 days of Christmas- You second guest rents it for the following weekend and leaves before NYE- You personally clean and restock the place between these two guestsCongrats!