It's a lot less digging and a lot less yard restoration... dig an access pit at either end of the line and shoot the mole from pit-to-pit.Good luck!

I was instantly hooked on all aspects of investing at that point such as finding new properties, looking at comps, negotiating deals, going to auctions and project managing the restoration.

We've already decided that vacation rental #3 will be a restored vintage trailer that we put in the back yard of vacation rental #2.

I own a successful contracting business and I'm looking to use my expertise and experience to purchase and restore some properties.  

The properties that sell in that area are going to people who basically overspend massively relative to the market (I know first hand of a couple of properties that have had 5M put into them but will never sell for more than half of that right now), particularly if they are looking at a property like this one which would require a great deal of money to restore to it's historical grandeur (what people are doing there).

If it's cosmetic, maybe it can be restored for less than a new door

One place that we have had good luck is at Restore, especially if you only need material for a smallish area.  

Credit is based on a multitude of variables and you just might fit in the bucket of people whose credit can be "repaired" or "restored". 

In the process I have learned much about restoration, plumbing and flooring and creative ways to keep my tenants happy while thier home is torn apart and repairmen in and out all day.

I would normally want to put in all new appliances, just to cut out maintenance headaches, but hopefully the initial cost savings will make it worth it.I've also found good deals on used cabinetry at our local Habitat ReStore, both kitchens and bath vanities.