As @Lucas Martinez mentioned, FMV rents in Santa Barbara have exploded, I'm trying to be considerate of my tenants while also exploring a path to adding value to the investment--which I know probably falls into the oxymoron category.

@Erick HenningsHouston's emerging neighborhoods include East End, Third Ward, Heights, Spring Branch, Independence Heights, Alief, Cypress, Pearland, Richmond/Rosenberg, and Conroe/Woodlands.

@Thomas Loyola My stuff is probably B- class if you take into consideration the actual criteria for classes.

This tells me two things: Obtaining a variance will be more difficult because there are already policy considerations in place intended to reduce density & (2) There is clearly an over supply of rental units in this area otherwise the overlay would not exist. 

Don’t forget to take into account utilities including internet, lawn maintenance, snow removal, etc. into consideration.

Donate the Property: Donating the property to a qualified charitable organization can provide you with a charitable deduction equal to the property’s fair market value and eliminate capital gains taxes.Implementing these strategies requires careful planning and consideration of your specific financial situation.

Duplexes and multifamily are an option as well, although the dynamics are a little different.If I was still living in BR, I'd househack somewhere in Mid City - capital heights, hundred oaks, poets corner, overpass, etc.

Experience, licensing, etc are all things lender will take into consideration when evaluating a deal and the more you can show the lender the more comfortable they will be and can often result in more competitive terms, etc

We’re currently flipping a home in Maple Heights, OH, where most homes are 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom layouts with unfinished basements.

The ceiling height of the basement is only about ~6.5 feet, so it's really on the marginal side of livability for most people.