Purchase price: $250,000 Cash invested: $14,000 I purchased and managed a rental property in Chicago, focusing on strategic improvements and tenant satisfaction to increase both its value and profitability.

Here's how they break down:Fannie Mae HomestyleMinimum Down Payment: 3%-5% (Primary Residence) & 20% Down (Investment/Second Home)Credit Score: 620Minimum Loan Amount: $50,000Maximum Loan Amount: Per County Loan LimitsOccupancy Types: Primary Residence, Second Homes, and Investment PropertiesUnit Maximum: 4 UnitsAcceptable Renovations:-Structural Improvements (e.g., new roofing, foundation repairs)-Cosmetic Enhancements (e.g., new flooring, updated bathroom/kitchen fixtures)-Energy Efficiency Upgrades (e.g., solar panels)-Accessibility Modifications (e.g., ramps, widened doorways)-Luxury Items (e.g., pool)-LandscapingNot Acceptable Renovations:-Commercial Use (e.g., turning a residential property into a commercial property)-Temporary Structures-Non-Residential Buildings (e.g., barns, stables)FHA 203(k)Minimum Down Payment: 3.5%Minimum Credit Score: 620Minimum Loan Amount: $50,000Maximum Loan Amount: $524,225Occupancy Types: Primary Residence ONLYUnit Maximum: 4 UnitsAcceptable Renovations:-Structural Improvements/Reconstruction (e.g., adding rooms, bathrooms)-Cosmetic Enhancements-Eliminate Health and Safety Hazards-Energy Efficiency Improvements-Major Landscaping (e.g., grading, tree removal, adding walkways)Non-Acceptable Renovations:-Luxury Items-Commercial Use-Temporary Structures-Non-Residential BuildingsBoth of these renovation loans are similar in many ways, but the key differences are:1.

I own a home improvement company and also completed a flip with great ROI.

You should only be liable for tax on any appreciation since you inherited the rental (minus the cost of your improvements). 

Transparency, regular communication, and clear milestones have been critical to making this successful.For those of you who are considering working with private lenders or want to improve your deal structure, I hope this gives you some food for thought.

I do however think as things clean up systematically, cashflow will improve and the benefits of low capX exposure in near term and appreciation will work out.

Its not like a 30k roof will improve my property by 30k right?

My plan for this year is improve my credit, get my real estate license (to increase my income on top of my W-2), possibly career transition into the property management space (to learn more), and save as much as possible and learn as much as I can.I’d love to house hack close to home but my area is so expensive it seems like it’d be close to impossible. 

Review your score and take necessary step to improve it if you are at 650 or below.  

Their plan is to raise rents (on the poor remaining souls, improve infrastructure and exert some sweat equity.