In an ideal world the investor, a partner, an interior designer, or for larger investors maybe a project manager would be able to collaborate with the contractor(s) on these things.

I know this may not seem possible, and probably not the answer you were looking for, but it would be worth partnering with another active investor, bringing in a passive investor(s), or even waiting until you have enough capital to deploy into the right deal. 

Quote from @Paul Novak: Quote from @Wendy S.: Is it best to finance a 2023 Honda $38,000 or pay cash?

Perhaps a nice 1950's built bungalow.Always hire a 3rd party property inspector to give you an unbiased feel for the home.

Quote from @Joe S.: Quote from @Jarrod Ochsenbein: Started REI in August of '23.

Beyond that though, I have dealt with 1,000's of houses and tenants like what you describe.

We are looking for lenders that understand the market (we are in Lousiana and are casting a wide net due to flexibility) and that will fund our first deal(s).

Additionally, you can take the "s" off Mendenhall as I have absolutely no ownership of Company etc. 

Happy to look at things both ways on a DSCR loan(s) to see if it makes sense. 

@Joe S.