If you can do it, in ground all the way.Nothing screams cheap like an above ground pool.

Some might not be livable at purchase but 5k still seems cheap unless there is something off with the data. maybe the prices were reduced on unlivable properties due to back taxes being part of the deal for the purchase.

Selling gets a tax free gain and allows you to be more liquid; keeping it allows you to have once in a lifetime cheap debt and have that leverage on an appreciating asset. 

There are seconds in the way of HELOANs and HELOCs for investment properties, but they aren't cheap.

One golden rule I follow,if it takes a long time to fix/replace when it breaks, don't buy a cheap one.Imagine, this thing breaks in the middle of your peak season and the people who can come out to rebuild are 2 weeks out....It takes at least a day or two to build something like this even if you are super skilled.

I will go see samples but figured you folks could give a definitive thumbs down if this is just today's version of cheap linoleum.

I assume that's because its a relatively cheap project to finish a basement.

Boots on the ground is hyperlocal, and what you're looking for is essentially cheap labor that can open a door when you need it.

@Asim G. if owners weren't so short-sightedly cheap, PMC's wouldn't be doing this!

I have cheap guys who do it 1/2 to 1/3 what you pay if call someone off Yelp.