Honestly it hadn't crossed my mind to paint it since it is so old, chipped, mildewy, and it is definitely not a small house. 

It's unfortunate that the skill needed to express an opinion with tact is so lacking.

There is so much to learn in this business (and so much BS to sort through).

Many people never get into the California market because it is so expensive.As a longtime California investor, I want to give you a perspective that is different from the non-Californians above.1st-there are two types of income: monthly cash flow and long-term appreciation.

That's one of the reasons the space is so attractive to most investors.Understand this is a retail business and there are nuances and tricks of the trade but its not an overly complicated business.

now back out 600 for rent back out 200 for utls cable etc. back that leaves your tenant with 1000 a month before any tax's taken out.. to pay for car  gas  insurance clothing food kiddos dog dog food.etc etc.. you can see why the 600 dollar renter by and large is one flat tire from missing rent.. or say Christmas comes around.. now lets take the 1200 dollar renter run the same math.. 3X  3600 a month to qualify.. 1400 for rent and utls. leaves 2,200 a month to live on etc.. or double the stability.. this is why the risk is so high.. 

Thanks again for the insight -- any additional is so welcome, we're close to taking the plunge!

The reason the BRRRR has the rent before the refinance is so that you can show the bank/lender that you now have more income.

@Megan Greathouse  Yes it is . So

However, the affordability of homes is so much better as opposed to Oakland or Macomb County.I am looking to make my first deal with the intent of renting it in the very near timeframe and I don’t want to exclude an entire area based on a few opinions.