Repair and remodeling choices are made with the entire investment picture in mind.

But if someone did not want their ownership interest discovered, and went to 'reasonable' means to conceal that ownership interest, I think it is difficult to (using legal methods) find the owner.Using conventional means, the secretary of state filings are the obvious first choice for where to find owners.

I have a job that requires me to move somewhat regularly though so I don't have too much choice.

There will be positives and negatives to each choice.

If it is a good candidate for a buy and hold, then it's just a matter of the numbers working enough to cash flow sufficiently for an investor to be interested in it, and for me to make a little on top.

I have my eye on a house for sale right next door to my rental and think this route is my best choice right now.

your thinking is right just be careful. sometimes renting is the best choice for military if you don't plan on being there long. also if you do the deal make sure your own the title. do not do a land contract!!!

The capital is not prorated in this case.Also, the investor can also qualify for a 1031 Exchange in this case (Revenue Procedure 2005-14) as long as they can say they have owned and lived in the property as their primary residence for a total of 24 months out of the last 60 months AND the property has been rented out for a sufficient period of time to demonstrate they had the intent to hold for investment (generally 12 to 24 months).

If it's something dumb they've done (like a fork down the disposal) I tell them they need to be more careful. 9/10 they are sufficiently embarrassed.

That's the most common choice on a contract.