Will gladly work with her again if I have anything where a Realtor adds value - she's local, knows the properties and the people involved.

Unfortunately, every state and every locality has different laws and what works in one location doesn't always work in others, so you have to be very careful about the 'free' advice that is given in online forums. 

Return:Finishing the basement and adding bedrooms can add significant value, especially if your local market places a premium on additional living space.

Educate yourself on the local market, network with other investors and agents, and always have a solid plan in place before making any investments.

One way to save some money, especially if you are local is to split the job. 

House hacking locally is typically going to be the least risky way to get started, even if it is more expensive of a property.

Thank you,Phil Don’t have any experience with the mentioned mentors, but I do have 45 years experience in commercial real estate investing.Flipping (wholesaling) commercial properties require the same base of knowledge (real estate principles, real estate law and real estate finance) that is a foundational requirement for flipping residential properties; PLUS, extensive knowledge of the commercial property TYPE one is trying to engage with, and extensive knowledge of the local real estate market for the subject property type. 

@Diana Mulvihill A lot will depend on your local market and competition.

Something like $1,200 for the local “fancy upgrade”.

@Allie McAlister I'm looking to stay local to begin with.