Also, how to tell the tenants/ask them to tidy up for the appraisal without spooking them that the house is being sold or something of that nature?

I found this on Google:New York law provides that “[n]o natural person shall ask or receive, directly or indirectly, compensation . . . for preparing deeds, mortgages, assignments, discharges, leases or any other instruments affecting real estate . . . unless he has been regularly admitted to practice, as an attorney or counselor, in the courts of record in the state” (N.Y.

By doing renovations, you'll be forcing appreciation, along with naturally occurring appreciation through market increases.

Well, then there is the passive versus active nature of the investment as well.  

I have pretty much decided to do most work myself.May I ask, what is the nature of work needed?

Natural gas runs to our street and Unitil will run the line to the house free of charge.

The housing development could have a positive or negative effect depending on the nature of the tenants.

However, to have natural light, we bought the front door from Home Depot that has glass in it with a built in shade. 

These loans are a potential way to get started in REI, but by and large, their "low-income only, and if you have savings, you can't get approved" nature screams "2008 all over again".

That's not that unusual and your accountant can change the address and definitely the basis of the property to reflect its improved nature.2.