I am also leveraging them for repairs/issues with existing tenants that cannot wait until the rehab....and they generally take care of the property and watch over a lot of things. 

Hard part is making sure you can improve/add to the existing property or a development is more ideal. 

This is adjusted for growth to avoid existing owners getting massively higher tax bills YoY (again, in theory)FL = disclosure state i.e. tax % * price you paidSome other states = limit growth by a certain %Best bet: consult the local tax assessor's office and/or your broker.

1) Make sure water pipes are in good shape inside and outside on the property.2) Have a good electrician handy that can add lights and reroute wires/switches.3) Concrete > Asphalt Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

@Simon W. right now it is none existent. 

The county is going to be the one with the information, other lists may exist but the county is responsible for collecting the taxes so they should be the most accurate

If you can save up (and possibly borrow from/partner with friends or family) to buy a 2-4 unit property that's rentable in its existing condition, you can live in and fix up one unit while the others are rented out. 

I have also been trying to do my research on CT reality and seeing what upgrades can help improve my resale value (hoping to come close to breaking even after a new roof, and adding a countertop into an existing wall in the kitchen). 

We are in the New Jersey area.Our question is can anyone give us any ideas or ways so we can better use the equity we have on our existing home for it?

Although no statutory protections exist to help buyers who forfeit, the 2002 South Carolina case of Lewis v.