Address issues like a squeaky basement shower and squeaky floors by marketing the space effectively.

I don’t know which way to tap into equity and where to invest in .Quote from @Samuel Diouf: I love house hacking because you can get into the higher priced areas and leverage your money very effectively. 

They different compounding effects.

Relationship-Based LendingBanks: Normal transactions are always cold-blooded and policy-oriented.Private Money Lenders: Most often work with borrowers to create solutions and value relationships over strict rules.The Bottom LineThe power of private money lending, I think, is a pretty effective alternative for borrowers who need speed, flexibility, and customized solutions—especially in industries like real estate investing.

Landscaping will have the largest effect on the resale value vs a kitchen or bathroom.

This will primarily effect tenant's sales and your ability to re-lease when tenant moves out.You have building risk: primarily, how easy will it be to re-tenant if your tenant goes dark or leaves.  

But when you focus on EFFECTIVE purchase capital requirement, notice how that 1 little change of wording totally shifts mindset, focus, everything. 

Many real estate professionals pay little to no taxes by using these strategies in combination with 1031 exchanges, creating a snowball effect of tax-deferred wealth.

The irony of the 1% "rule" is that those who could even use it effectively don't need it, ie if you need to spend more than 30 seconds thinking about whether it fits the guidelines you're probably not educated enough in RE to use it anyway. 

I'd see if the employer would let me receive part or all of the bonus in 2025 for a number of reasons:- More time to pursue and execute tax-saving strategies- (Possibly) more time to hold on to the $$$ before taxes are due (2026 vs 2025)- Chance that, post-election, there is a possibility that there could be tax changes effective 2025 that could possibly help your situation.