I press with legal to force the borrower to make a decision on 3 exits, once they choose the exit, It's up to me to handle exit and put us both in the best position. 1.

@Kate J. you may also want to consider not installing appliances so your high end buyer can choose what they want or leave it up to them to get them after closing.

Life is too short to waste time choosing the wrong partner.

It's the nature of the business.I wouldn't recommend hiring an agent since most agents aren't familiar or comfortable with the areas you would be investing.Your best bet is to find professionals in all facets of the process in the market you choose then fly in to town for a couple of days.

So do consider that if you are planning to live in the unit that you are taking into account all other aspects of how the location you choose affects your life. 

Stain/poly the shelf instead of paint - will last longer,

Repairs and maintenance costs made PRIOR TO the property being placed in service must generally be capitalized (added to the depreciable basis) and the costs are recovered over 27.5 years as part of the building depreciation expense.For example, let's say you spend $275 to have the place painted.

Not sure how long the current tenants lease is but as new landlord you can choose not to renew their lease.

So it's the brokerage that would need to agree to modify the listing agreement and fee structure  with the seller.The listing agreement might have a protection period built in where commission is still owed once a buyer is procured even if the seller chooses not to sell the property.

Obviously it will need new paint and other minor items.