To me, and it's a strong basis for whether any upgrades or repairs can be done, is how quickly can you get your invested cast back out of the property?

As for improvements or upgrades I would consider it if they ask otherwise I don't.

Plan any maintenance or upgrades.

cosmetic upgrades.

I purchased the home with hard money and then refinanced it and upgraded it.

@Lori Greene Sometimes, in the same way that a broken clock is right twice a day :)  Definitely not often enough to rely on without having other data to back it up. 

So for example, a flipper could be looking for distressed single family homes, unkept landscaping, broken down cars in the driveway, peeling paint, off color roof repairs, and then start to either mail, or contact the homes owners in different ways.

Can I deduct all the expenses (materials from Home Depot) from fixing and upgrade my basement for my tenant?

It will be broken up like so: Myself and Partner 50%, 50% for other partner. 

@Ken Nyczaj Yeah, I DO think I should start "Driving for Dollars" every once and a while and making lists of addresses for broken down properties and getting in touch with those owners.