Fully rehabbing the upstairs kitchen, bathroom, and living rooms with medium-to-high-end furnishings (to fit the area and future tenants), and basement will have smaller quality-of-life improvements.

Hi @Luke EdwardsThe interest rate doesn’t really improve for a VA loan if you put more than 0 down.

I'm in NE Ohio and while I don't plan to completely "self-manage" (ie, do maintenance/cleaning/etc. myself) I do want these properties to be close enough that I can A) check them out personally when needed and potentially tinker/add improvements on occasion myself AND B) if they are vacant for a weekend, go and enjoy some R&R on short notice. 

I would like to revisit this same deal with some assistance to improve my analytical skills and areas of improvement.

@Corbin Dallas Are there any changes/improvements you could make to the home to increase rents?

Still need reserves for roof, appliances, hot water heater, hvac, bath and kitchen remodel.etc.Unlikely insurance is $25 per month and taxes will go up as you improve the property.

If you are trying to reach financial freedom or improve your financial stature, then any approach other than eviction is not going to move you towards your goals.

I would consider putting SOME money down if you've got savings Doing this would improve your DTI for future purposes and improve your cash flow and equity performance.

The price range you're looking at for 2-flats in the area is definitely on the lower end so you should be prepared for some work but what you described is a lot more problematic than making some cosmetic improvements.

My strategy lately is to continue to buy, buy, buy cash flowing properties that are in areas where I see good appreciation and improvement as the years go by.