I’m also based in California and invest in Detroit, where prices are far more reasonable, and there are still strong cash flow opportunities.Detroit has a solid rent-to-price ratio, improving economic fundamentals, and plenty of value-add potential if you have the right team in place.

Let the agent know that while you’re interested, the property’s condition and local comps don’t justify the asking price.Taking a warm, conversational approach can make negotiations smoother and improve your chances of getting the deal.

It’s inexpensive to provide but can make a big impact.Comfortable Bedding: Investing in high-quality mattresses, pillows, and linens improves the guest experience and leads to better reviews, which can boost occupancy rates.Smart TV or Streaming Services: Offering Netflix, Hulu, or similar services is a low-cost way to enhance guest entertainment and stay competitive.Fully Stocked Kitchen: A well-equipped kitchen with basic appliances and utensils appeals to families and long-term guests, saving them money on dining out.Dedicated Workspace: If your property caters to remote workers, adding a small desk and ergonomic chair can set your listing apart.Outdoor Spaces: If your property allows, an outdoor seating area, fire pit, or hot tub can significantly increase your nightly rate and attract more bookings.Energy-Efficient Features: Guests appreciate eco-friendly options like LED lighting, smart thermostats, or solar panels, especially in eco-conscious markets.Keyless Entry: A smart lock is a relatively small investment but offers convenience and security, which many guests value.If you’re deciding on amenities to add, it’s always a good idea to research your local market.

Better education and training might be one way to improve the situation  Damn, sorry to hear that.

In other words, not resold to the government so the bank had more flexibility on the condition.I look at the original commitment letter and it states "xxx amount will be advanced at closing for the purchase of an investment property, and the remaining balance of the loan to be placed into an escrow account to be disbursed as improvements are made".No points, and only one closing, so I don't have to deal with a short term HML that I have to refinance in under a year.Hope that helps!

Say my original loan was $500K, my cost basis with improvements is $1M and I cash out refinance with a $1M loan (can I include the interest of the new loan into cost basis since it’s reimbursing me my cost basis)?

As others have said, the best thing your son can do is run far from this deal, buckle down, save his pennies (he probably already is doing this), house-hack, and improve a property with sweat, hard work, developing a DIY skillset, and self-managing tenants. 

Leverage Local ResourcesEconomic Development Grants: Check with your city or county for grants or incentives aimed at affordable housing or community improvement projects.Local Banks or Credit Unions: They may be more flexible than larger financial institutions, especially if your project aligns with community needs.Partnership with Nonprofits: Collaborate with organizations interested in affordable housing or sustainable living.4.

If the fence is shared and in bad shape, framing it as a mutual improvement could help.

Have you experienced any improvements in Inspira's service and response times?