For these, costs tend to double across the board, especially for older buildings.

Focus on key areas first (like floors, walls, kitchen, or bathroom), which may help you handle the costs more gradually, even if it means moving in furniture or updating fixtures down the line.Also, since the tenant left it in rough shape, be sure to document all the damage (photos, receipts) in case you decide to pursue reimbursement through their security deposit or in court.

@Ross DerouenBigger Pockets is a great place to find an accountant specializing in real estate taxation.A good real estate accountant can save you thousands of dollars by leveraging entity selection and formation, tax deductions, cost segregations, bonus depreciation and tax planning.I recommend finding an accountant specializing in real estate taxation, business taxation, financial planning and tax planning.Consider working with your accountant remotely to expand your options.I would also recommend looking for an accountant willing to work with you throughout the year.

This allowed me to control renovation costs, streamline operations, and accelerate my investment growth.

When evaluating a property management company, it's important to look beyond just the management fee and consider the full scope of services and costs involved.For example, at our company, we charge a 10% monthly management fee, a $250 lease renewal fee (unless it’s a takeover tenant, which requires additional effort to establish a strong relationship - because usually people are changing pm companies for a reason), and the first month’s rent as a leasing fee.

Not only is it a costly and hasselsome process to establish such, but at end it's an association of 4. 

You magically get the seller to cover every single closing cost (A $12k gift, or a trick to get you to buy their problem.).

If you think you will have it for less than 4 years I would say go with the HELOC because you have less origination costs.

While under contract, we perform due diligence and there will be some soft costs incurred. 

I think its a scary feeling, like the cost of entry is too high.