Hi everyone, I'm currently working on an online course, focusing on all of the phases through the life cycle of a project and want to get some insight from your perspective on what topics are most important to learn when starting out.

There are some big winners and some big losers.Oil and gas fields go through a lifecycle.

That said, if the subject property needs a new roof, that is a necessity and not a “finish item” and while it does not necessarily add value to the eyes of a buyer, it is expected to be in good working order and not at the end of its life cycle so those decisions are easy.To reface or replace kitchen cabinets is an example of where you are having trouble and like I said, what your competition has should guide you the most.

Though, if the blower in your furnace is not a DC variable speed unit {i.e. an old single speed 75-100amp motor}, you should consider replacing the blower since it will be running year round and the blower tends to be the biggest energy consumer in older forced air systems.If the gas furnace is older (only 65 - 75% efficient vs 95% in a modern furnace), you could always replace it with a hybrid solution ... natural gas heat with an electric central air cooler.Great suggestion, but unfourtnately the old gas furnace is nearing the end of it's life cycle.

If that's your definition of a good deal--that other people will pay more for it--then it's a good deal.Remember that most of the building systems will be at or near the end of their useful life cycle. 

The one thing you should master is the vacancy life cycle workflow.

I tend to look at the whole life cycle of the property because I live and invest in a high-appreciation market. 

I estimate project costs on multi million dollar infrastructure jobs and have had to do life cycle component stuff for financial advisors and insurance companies for some of our clients.

Existing Experience, Financial position, Age/life cycle, critical thinking skill set.E.

Make sure you develop an exit strategy as part of your analysis so that the work you do going in is targeted to that - no - buy and hold is not a strategy, every investment has a lifecycle (some longer than others).