Granted, lending restrictions have change quite a bit and many of those stories couldn't happen today, but I'm high on that feeling that I can make anything work out of I'm creative and intelligent enough.On the topic of banks - what must I do to become more attractive to lenders?

Then a real earning opportunity will be yours as you are your own buyers agent on your next buy.So one year from now ,SPRING 2018, you could have a brokers license, some savings built up, a great tenant that probably wants to renew the lease on your former residence (at a slight increase ) and now you are ready to BUY YOUR NEXT INVESTMENT PROPERTY ( it will be your primary residence for at least a year) BUYING THIS TIME LIKE A ***SMART *** INVESTMENT SAVVY REALTOR-- you will never buy like a first time homeowner, again--but you will buy newer, easy to take care of, highly rentable , APPRECIATING properties that attract good quality tenants.  

The problem is it is outdated and sm for the area so it is not a very attractive sale at the appraised price  and rent would only fetch around 1200-1300 a month as a rental.

If i will be using hard money to fund acquisition and rehab, should I assume that my market will require something like 65% loan and the other 35% will have to come from my wallet? 

How did you connect with and attract investors?

Our neighbors directly on both sides of us and above us all have newer, updated kitchens with stone counters, stainless appliances, etc... which does make their listings a little more attractive with pictures of these nice new shiny kitchens.  

Your points should be considered when you compare this unit to the competitor buildings in attracting tenants. 

There's something about determination and commitment that people  respect and is attractive.

@Getachew Hundera,Another source of private lenders is anyone with whom you establish a personal relationship (prerequisite to private lending per the SEC) who would consider investing in your deal.Essentially, it could be anyone who is nervous about the risk and volatility of the stock or other markets and is looking for a safer investment secured by real property.Learn how to attract and engage private lenders other than your family and your current friends and associates.

I would keep your money in your jeans.. if you want in the business Go work for a company that does what you want to learn to do.. get paid to learn... then once you have uber experience you can attract investors like some of the folks above have done.. they are not using their own dough they use others dough to run their deals..