Given the permitting timeline, I will offer to purchase some of the furniture and redecorate the rest (so half and half to reduce some furniture building time).

They based their loan on ALL of the properties, if you reduce their collateral value, you worsen the position that they did the underwriting on.

By accelerating your depreciation schedules, you reduce your taxable income which in turn increases your operating cash flow.

SO many more options and the reduced responsibilites and work loads are under valued until you deal with them.. lol Also when you factor in management fees it can be quite comparable in net proceeds, without the wear and tear on the property and furnishings. 

Run the calculations on the expense of doing a refi at a slightly reduced rate vs. keeping the current loan for whatever period of time you think you will hold this house.

Credibility Package - $7,800 reduced to $5,800 if you sign up right away. 2 to 3-month payment plans available. 

And all of this happens during the contract period reducing purchasing risk.Great strategy especially when practiced just on the outskirts of a major metro area in a country setting(a weekend getaway property that can be marketed to city folk).  

Implementing water-saving initiatives is a smart way to reduce utility costs.

For reference I own exactly one handful (5) SFH  rentals in my hometown, all have been purchased in the last 4 years.1) buying at a discount is MY preferred way to reduce risk.

@Tove Fox - Residential Real Estate InvestingPros:Lower Entry Costs: Easier to get started with less capital required.High Demand: People always need homes, making demand relatively stable.Easier Financing: Mortgages are generally easier to secure with favorable terms.Simplicity: Easier to understand and manage, especially for beginners.Flexibility: You can use it as a personal residence or rent it out.Cons:Tenant Turnover: More frequent turnover leads to vacancy and more management.Lower Cash Flow: Income potential can be modest compared to commercial properties.Emotional Buyers: Residential prices can be influenced by emotions, leading to price volatility.Maintenance Burden: Landlords often deal with repairs and maintenance, which can be time-consuming.Commercial Real Estate InvestingPros:Higher Income Potential: Stronger cash flow and higher returns are common.Long-Term Leases: Tenants often sign longer leases (3-10 years), reducing vacancy risk.Professional Tenants: Business tenants tend to take better care of the property.Valuation Based on Income: Prices are based on the income the property generates, not market emotions.Shared Costs: Tenants often cover property expenses like taxes, insurance, and maintenance (via triple-net leases).Cons:High Entry Costs: Requires more capital or partnerships to get started.Complex Management: More expertise is needed; you may need a professional property manager.Economic Sensitivity: Commercial properties are more sensitive to economic conditions.Challenging Financing: Securing financing can be harder, with stricter terms and higher interest rates.Zoning and Legalities: More complex regulations compared to residential properties.Key Differences:Risk: Residential tends to be lower risk, while commercial offers higher rewards but with greater risk.Management: Residential is easier for DIY investors, while commercial properties usually require a team.Scalability: Commercial properties are easier to scale, offering more potential for significant cash flow increases.