Each of these variables will dramatically change the advice I give the individual asking me this question. 

Okay, maybe this was a bit of a dramatic title, but hear me out.Until yesterday, my plan had been simple:Step one: get my first ever property (a house hacked duplex) with an FHA loan. 

My lender told me that how I did my taxes lowered my income dramatically which would have prevented me from buying the duplex.

Plus its not that easy.. the business has to qualify and real estate generally does NOT.. not enough employees  I looked at this heavy about 10 years ago.. unless the regs have changed dramatically.. it was a non starter for developers of real estate.

If vacancy or delinquency by a couple tenants will dramatically impact your returns, you're exposed. 

Cap ex can change dramatically depending on the age of the house. 

Are they just saying this to sound dramatic and look cool because everyone is going to be like "oof, this guy knows what's up" ? 

Ditch the ugly old ones and look for stylish new oversized mirrors to create the feel of dramatically larger spaces and more light.

Each of these variables will dramatically change the advice I give the individual asking me this question.

I'm considering renovation because it could dramatically lower my taxable earned income, which doesn't show on the property cashflow itself.