During that time, here are the capital expenditures I have experienced that were required (i.e. not because my wife wanted some newer fancy stuff):Roof replacement - $5,000, though part of this was covered by insurance (tree went through roof)Bathtub replacement due to poor installation - $1,000Kitchen counters replaced (still serviceable but scratched laminate) - $1500Replacement french door, rotted frame - $500Replacement wood floors for worn carpet, which was replaced once before - $5000There were a couple of odd assorted things -a broken window, etc. 

Fix the place up, add a ton of equity, live in it for two years, take advantage of low down-payment, low-interest government insured financing, do the work on the nights and weekends, and harvest the gains tax free after living in your fancy new place for two years? 

I don't do anything fancy like beg banks for money.

It really rubs a person the wrong way when you have a investor pull up in their fancy dancy ride and then try to beat you down on the price when it comes time to do the job. Just trying to find out what contractors really want.

In dressing millstones, the metal tools used, caused chips of metal to embed themselves under the dresser's skin.

Nothing fancy, but no cheap-looking stuff either.What does it cost to have one cabinet installed (parts and labor) - say average size cabinet in the average size kitchenThanks

Hi Brian,"Pull the tax record" sounds sorta fancy, but it's usually really easy to do online and can give you a TON of information.

I would rather live in an avg ho-hum house and drive my beater to my rentals that make me money than be the 'norm' of living in a fancy house with a fancy car payment and being broke.  

I'm not looking for anything fancy - regular liability insurance. 

My gut says they have tough time enforce in that area, where there big fancy hotels and the own politicians.