I don't think I have ever bought a REO property that did not have at least a little mold.So far they have been an easy fix and related to the house being vacant.Bathrooms and kitchens are the main areas which need good ventilation.

I would like to do substantial improvement to the property by building additionand increasing square footage by about 200%.

Lastly, be flexible in TI (Tenant Improvement) you're willing to provide to your potential tenant.  

If I could go back in time I would have sold all my luxury lease options before getting stuck with 14 houses, when the market tanked back in 2007, I lost everything but I am now looking forward to doing it all again now that the market is improving, so I know how to get in but knowing when to get out is more important.

I meant depreciate 2/3 of costs for building improvements. 

So she has not had any tenants in house as she does not want to be a landlord.What should I look out for, as well as what improvements should I look into to help attract good tenants?

It's in an area I am fighting to improve.   

I understand wanting to improve your primary residence.  

From what I have seen so far, this site has has incredibly awesome members helping others and improving their own lives in the process.May this new year be a prosperous one for you,Cloud

But either because it wasn't as much as feared, or that investors just liked having a defined picture of what to expect, I've found that investor interest in our area has improved since the summer troop strength announcements.