@Rabia Khan leverage buyers agent experience. look for HOA cash reserves, check how old or recent HVAC is, kitchen appliances etc. the more recent and updated they are, the better it is for you as you dont have to invest in maintenance or capital expenditures.

Replaced floors, scraped popcorn ceilings, repainted inside and out, remodeled bathrooms, updated fixtures.

As lease terms expired, I increased rent and if the tenant left that gave me the opportunity to update the property to significantly incease the rent. 

Also if you become a member you get access to updated legal forms as well

Once you are north of Tasker St. your Section 8 rents for 3 & 4 beds were $2453 & $2849 in per PHA in 2022 (would love an updated 2023 list if anyone has it) https://www.pha.phila.gov/wp-c....

Thanks @Justin Sheley for the update.

@Evan Polaski interesting strategy indeed, keep us updated.

keep us updated if you get any word

@Samuel Metcalf- sorry ...getting  heloc on the rental duplex  will be hard / impossible to obtain ....if you can  get one - it would be a great option to use for the  remodel / landscape ....if you have  50K equity in your primary -you likely dont have  ample equity position to get a HELOC  on it as the max  comboned loan to value for helc lenders is  85%  ( maybe  90% ) ...I would try getting helocs on both to see whats possible ...if no heloc is possible - use the cash on hand for the purchase down payment / closing costs / loan fee/ prepaids and then use future accumulated savings for landscaping 

It's a plus if they offer any good bundling options for an umbrella policy for 2-3 homes, as we're looking to get one for the first time.I know some insurers have been leaving the CA market recently so looking for updated recommendations based on your personal experiences.Thanks!