When I used vinyl surrounds, yes it was much cheaper, but I had to replace almost every turn over.  

These 3 metros have prices cheaper than the national average, healthy rent-to-price ratios, and growing economies--solid market fundamentals. 

Its cheaper to get another appraisal.

I have kinda been against installing carpet but it might be an easier and cheaper alternative.I would love any and all thoughts.

I bought a duplex in RWC in 2013 when things were a lot cheaper, and then refinanced when rates were crazy low, so that worked out well but it's a different world now sadly -- otherwise I'd love to rinse and repeat!

While margins may be equal or higher on cheaper deals, you need to do more of them to yield the same cash output versus one successful larger deal.  

Hi BP'rs, I don't have a good sense of how the interest rate cut today will affect me as a new investor looking for my first deal... will it start to drive up prices of homes in areas i'm looking at as money gets cheaper or am I off base?

I think you just want the unit to appear cheaper when people are filtering through listings.

Even if they don't like everything, for the buyer, it's easier/cheaper to replace a few things than to have to furnish from scratch. 

Either negotiate a good price or only pick upgrades that's necessary in the rough phase and do the upgrades with your own subcontractor/vendors after the house closes (kitchen upgrades, appliances, countertop upgrades, flooring upgrades, landscaping upgrades you can get them much cheaper without going through the builder).New construction is a winner if all things are the same.