@Patrick Britton it varies depending on the contractor you choose, of course, but, for a 4bd 2ba sfr, you are looking at about 50k for a gut (add 10k if any roofing or tuckpointing is needed), 20-30K (maybe less if you get a discount on labor) if its just a few cosmetics but needs new plumbing or electricity, and about 10k for cosmetics only.

It depends on how you split the revenues.If the house is free and clear, you two should decide if you get to bank all the money after paying expenses (taxes and insurance) or if you have to split it somehow in favor of your rehab work or just 50/50 the whole time.Also, if your friend decides to sell it year 2 or 3, and you still haven't recouped your rehab funds, do you spit the proceeds of the sale?

Just my 2 cents but I always go conservative in my estimates and run an analysis of what needs fixing and how long it will last - heating systems, hw heater, roof, appliances, carpet/flooring, plumbing fixtures etc

You'll want to look at all the fees, on fha there is mortgage insurance.

Also, it's imperative to check all plumbing and electrical, including smoke/CO detectors.  

Biggest advantage is that with conventional you can drop the mortgage insurance monthly payment eventually, whereas with an FHA loan you can never get rid of it.Good luck!

My first investment cost me $6,500 to buy and then $10,000 in repairs in the first three months (I got half of it back from insurance but it took a couple months).

What I don't like about the property:Location (possibly, but that's why I'm coming to everyone on the forum for advice)Possible costly repairs to fix the upstairs units, the bones look good from the pictures but I understand that it would need an inspection from a professional to assess things like the roof, electrical, plumbing, etc. 

No you do whats called a credit bid.. you already have your money in the deal and your expenses  and tax's if you paid those.. so what ever your owed plus late fee's and interest and foreclosure costs any money paid to senior lender and insurance any property tax etc.. all that is added into your credit bid that your entitled to.. your not entitled to more though. 

I’m thinking of selling life insurance part time to save money or should I just put all my focus on real estate?