Stop reading if you want.2) I couldn’t guess what “There is a 6 months of grace period before interest payment begins” means.3) They call their $3555 charge a “Loan Fee,” stated a few lines up as 2%. 2% of $235,000 (loan amount) is $4470.4) Do you seriously believe the loan fee, “… IS 100% REFUNDABLE IF THERE IS ANY DEFAULT FROM THEPART OF THE LENDER OR IF THE BORROWER CHOOSES TO TERMINATE THE LOAN.”5) It’s okay to pay an appraiser directly.

If I got a home equity loan for Property 1 and used the proceeds as downpayment for Property 2 and then got a 2nd loan for the remaining 75% purchase price for Property 2, when I sell Property 2, can I use the Property 1 loan as part of the cost basis for computing Property 2 capital gains?

Hey @Dalton Foote - I highly suggest  using a renovation loan and house hacking a multi-family if that is possible with your current life circumstances.The 203k and homestyle renovation loans are just amazing products and drastically help you reduce your risk, in my opinion, because you are able to leverage the cost of the entire renovation with such a low down payment loan.We work with a lot of clients who use these products in Chicago, and no matter what, in the long term, they gain great equity.If you aren't able to house hack - the process is essentially the same, but just with more money down with hard money or conventional construction loan.

I doubt he'll be able to quality for a loan (VA) with just his income. 

Unlike a mortgage the interest on your loan will not be tax deductible.

Quote from @Juan Ruben Cortez: I believe the funding fee is 0.5% of the remaining loan balance, plus maybe another $500 - $1,000 in lender fees. 

I understand the basis is all the remodel cost or labor and materials. 

Boots on the ground is hyperlocal, and what you're looking for is essentially cheap labor that can open a door when you need it.

Every market will vary due to labor costs. 

I know this is above and beyond what most municipalities require, but being fair will make the whole process easier.Additionally, a new landlord can reduce the 60-90-day notice by offering more moving assistance (cash and/or labor) if they move sooner rather than later.