We will cross off houses that are too nice(depends on what you are looking for), so we don't waste money on those houses.

I don't want to waste my time or theirs. 3X rent, clean criminal, eviction and credit report.

I have an area and investment strategy in mind but when I went to get pre-approval for a loan I hit a wall - the local lender I approached told me that my DTI is too high.

.), laying carpet, ,texturing, painting walls, then get a second job as handyman or contractor and learn any construction skills.

Maybe I won't be able to find a deal, but I hope to at least find something that is sustainable and building equity better than just 'wasting' rent.

To me, I wouldn't think a contractor would waste their time with that, but who knows.What are your thoughts?

You can't really stop him from breaking the lease (that's why I tell people to rent...they are not wasting money, they are buying flexibility), but unless he is military and being transferred breaking the lease is breaking the contract.  

If you find yourself having to rip out multiple walls, it could get costly.

For me the tile is only ugly because of the paint color and wall paper they've put in the property.

Thomas S. not gonna waste my time responding to that one.