If before getting a permit you have to dance around for Code Dept officials/ city gov and crime is thru the roof, investments will definitely be low whether real estate or other, but it should be benefiting the city officials to keep things that way.

You can get some estimates from contractors for what they charge for big ticket items like to renovate a bathroom, renovate a kitchen, replace the furnace, replace the roof, etc.All wholesale deals should have free and clear title and you should be able to see the sales agreement before submitting the earnest money deposit.

Property was sitting on market and needed light updates (roof, flooring, paint) but was in a great area that allows STRs giving me multiple options when deciding on rental strategy How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

Pro tip--make sure your exhaust fan in the bathroom is vented to the atmosphere--meaning out to the outside.....go out the roof or out the side of the unit or secured to an opening in a soffit vent grille off the house. 

In my area you have to strip the roof shingles at a minimum . 

I hope you or someone is at least keeping an eye on your properties for break ins, squatters, roof leaks, temperature control, frozen pipes (if in cold climate), if you have a basement and sump pump goes out leading to water damage etc.I just talked to two investors in California that have let their properties sit vacant (no mortgages so paying property taxes and insurance).

I'm not how you are defining a BRRR that works, but if I have a unit with brand new roof, mechanicals, kitchens, bathrooms, etc... and leave 10,15 or 20% in the deal I still feel like I'm winning.  

A roof on the 600K property will cost more than on the 300K property, but you have more roofs to repair on the multiple 300K properties.

Large basement and attic space, new roof and some of the kitchen is already torn out from the current owner. one bedroom does have a closet that will need built. plumbing seems fine, maybe a couple angle stops to change.

It also kills two birds with one stone: an investment property, and a roof over your head.