The idea is to convert a multi-family building into condos; but not in the traditional sense where you separate pre-existing apartments into their own condos; but in a way where you combine the common areas of all of the apartments in that whole building, and turn the individual rooms within those apartments into condos themselves; thus transforming the hallways, kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, porches, balconies into common areas of the condos. 

If needed add a minimum of 15kModerate RehabCan save at least two of the following- Electric, Drywall, Flooring, Plumbing (likely touch ups in the other two)Redo KitchenRedo Existing BathroomsNo framing or architect plans neededPaintFinish BasementAdd a split unit to existing duct work (prevent from tearing up existing plaster/drywall)*Think of a grandma home that does not have knob and tube and has been on top of roof/windows so we aren’t as worried about mold/water damage*Light RehabComps do not need a finished basement or basement is finished to comp standardComps do not need HVAC or you can just add split unit to existing ductworkKitchenBathroomFloorsPaintNo major rehaul of mechanics needed (aka do not need to rip out walls)LipstickPaint, Floors, appliances in the most basic sense ARV Range Full Gut Moderate Light Lipstick +450 (A+) 150-300 N/A N/A N/A 380-450 (A) 90-120 70-75 N/A N/A 270-400 (B/B+) 85-100 60-70 N/A N/A 210-270 (B-) 75-80 60-65 45-55 N/A 170-210(C/C+) 65-75 50-60 40-50 15-30 140-170(C-) 60-70 50-60 35-45 10-20 120-140 (D) 55-65 40-50 25-35 5-15 Philly Neighborhoods Breakdown:A+ : Obvious Prime Real Estate.

"I have a very simple criteria for when an area is gentrifying as opposed to just generally improving: If it makes economic sense to buy (at market price) and tear down an existing structure in order to build and immediately sell a new building, then the area is gentrifying.

Makes sense.

Lastly, the price point is still very cheap here in the sense that you can still find investment deals that hit the 1% rule for 120-180k!

When you put it that way, it doesn't make sense. 

We refer folks to bank-type lenders regularly throughout the year when that make more sense for our clients. 

Your retirement plans and income needs will likely dictate what makes the "most" sense here.

However, if we paid for the house mostly in cash, does it make sense to refinance and incur a high monthly mortgage payment? 

Real Estate plus the business would be a stronger package, sold as a business vs. just the real estate.