Once neighbors find out I am there to rehab the eyesore they have been stuck with for the last 10 years or so, they offer me access to tools, their electricity while big repairs are going on and power is out...I even had one neighbor feed my crew lunch because of the transformation that took place over 3 days.That said, I always have work done correctly and by licensed personnel.  

:nono: Just kidding . . . maybe we'll do Dick and Rich Part II sometime soon: "As the mortgage meltdown progresses and the economy hits the toilet, Rich transforms back in to Dick"

I moved to Louisville in 2009 and some of the areas that were very blighted at the time (NuLu, Old Louisville, Downtown) have completely transformed from where they were 6 years ago.  

Usually we choose wisely and it is a fun and rewarding experience to transform someone into a creative real estate investing market leader.The ones that we determine are not going to be a good fit, we respectfully decline their application.

This is absolutely NOT an endorsement or solicitation of this product, but I have been pretty impressed with Rustoleum products to date, and how they can "transform" certain aesthetic aspects of my rentals.https://www.rustoleum.com/en/product-catalog/consumer-brands/specialty/stainless-steel

You could also use some of that to update the two vacant units you would have and get on the path to transforming that building and offering something different.

It is time to rotate some of those dollars out of stocks and into real estate as seed money for this new endeavor.I may be putting the cart before the horse here, as I am looking to try one cosmetic or advanced cosmetic flip to see if it suits me, but given the great fun I have had working with subs on projects on my personal property and my fascination with construction and transforming spaces, I believe that it could easily be something I continue to do.

Nothing gives me more joy than to transform a home while providing a safe and comfortable environment for tenants. 

I recently found a 2 bed/1 bath home selling for less than other comparable homes in the area, and upon entering the home, learned that with a few thousand dollar investment that it can easily be transformed into a 4 bed/1.5 bath home. 

Example:  Look at the number of skyscrapers in the West Loop and you can see the transformation in front of your eyes.