The prospective tenants always remark about how much nicer the garage looks than the other rentals in the area.

One gentalman made the remark that everyone under 30 knows about BP.  

The appraiser will remark on these items you are talking about and if they are not in really bad shape, the loan would go through normally. 

why is the property on the market (need for cash, moved - down-sizing - family)has it been previously listed - how much and for how long - why didn't it sellwill the seller consider - lease with option with possession - seller take back - a delayed settlement - 1031 exchange - joint venture with hybrid auction marketingdays on the marketalways read the remark section of the listingask the agent for some inside information (off the record) about the propertyWhy are you interested in this property?

The house looks remarkable; Marcin I'm curious as to how you came up with that particular design scheme through the house.

Expired Listings -- knocking on those doors or calling them is not a cold call -- it is a WARM call, with an Expired listing you have Intel - information about the seller and their property ---- you know -The attempt to sell their home was a failureYou know the  DOM - how many Days it has been On the MarketReal estate broker/agent failed to sell the property Remarks on the listing  - you've read the remarks on the listing (must sell, needs TLC, some owner financing, won't last long, rent to own, move in condition -- etc), this information tells you, the investor much about the property and the seller  - use this info when negotiatingPrice change - how often has the price been reduced Make more warm calls, negotiate, make offers and do it 

I would go back to her and ask what prompted her intuition that these individuals are unkindly.

Agree 100% with all the CAPEX remarks, I just think I will have a better grasp on these after the inspection is done . 

I do know San Diego is pretty strict against short term rentals so obviously look up what their regulations are.You mentioned a granny flat and splitting the house, so if you're going to be having some sort of shared walls it may be best to put that in your listing as I have seen some people get negative remarks by not mentioning that the house is shared with the owner or some other tenant.As well as lining up two to three excellent cleaning crews, the easiest way to ruin your profit is to start receiving negative reviews for cleanliness and or falsely advertising what your place really is.

The appraisal remarkable comes in at exactly what the sale price is, or occasionally less.