Of course all of that cost a lot of money, so instead of pecking away at our debt - I had another idea - why not convert our unused garage into a studio?

I live in Contra Costa County, so the East Bay is my preference, but open to helping out remotely and going to other parts of the Bay on the weekends. 

What's left over is basically your land cost. As

I am taking a trip to Costa Rica tomorrow.

Its not a great deal, and will not net huge profits, but let me know what you think.House- 51,000Closing (est) – 1500Rehab (est) – 8,000 will budget for 10,000Utilities (est) -500Total cost – 63,000Several comps in the immediate area (good sign?)

Title company is the best way I think but it cost a little more.Joe Gore

Items like paint and mattresses cost a fortune to dispose of.You end up doing A LOT of estimates and bids on repair work when they are trying to sell the property and just need to know the cost for repairs.

When you consider the fact that there really isn't too much I can do about the topline value of the house, I have to target the cost as aggressively as possible.

If I can't find it at HD I try Lowes but assume it's going to cost a little more and for me, it's much further away.

May cost a bit more but I know with proper research of them they will be easier to work with.