I shot you a message but I do RM-1 s all of the time with my contractor and can give you some more insight.

Try not to get to fancy because it seems you end up paying one way or another.

I want to provide access through the common wall of the two units of a duplex. nothing fancy, sort of a "doorway" without a door, same size of a door.

Which is a fancy way of saying "make money".  

It doesn't need fancy introduction but there's a lot of cheap and great properties in Detroit to choose from.

It's like showing up to a fancy dinner party in your PJs—not a good look.

AZIf the owner does not want to sell, there’s no fancy trick to get them to sell at your price or to sell at all. 

if it's a fancy paint job it would be no big deal for someone to redo, but if they're tiles, and they don't like it- well, that becomes an issue.)Also- those chairs that I see peeking out of the dining room are totally at odds with the style of the room.

It doesn't need to be fancy but it does need to show off your place and why someone would want to stay there instead of the next place down the road.

Thanks @Adrian Tilley for the shout out, I'm always up for talking about investing, real estate, and financial goals... next time you're jonesing for a fancy latte, I'll buy.