Another option is a personal loan, but positioning it as a home remodel (rather than an investment property rehab) could improve approval odds.

.🚨 Common issues I see:❌ Not properly tracking repairs vs. capital improvements❌ Missing out on cost segregation & depreciation write-offs❌ Scrambling at tax time instead of planning proactivelyI’d love to hear from the group—what’s been your biggest tax headache as an investor?

We fully renovated both units, improving the property’s value and rental potential.

As @James Carlson said, there are a lot of legacy unpermitted "improvements" to properties in the area.

To improve ARV and rehab estimates, network with appraisers, contractors, and use tools like PropStream and Zillow for comps.

The biggest issue with Stessa is that it sounded like they had very low transfer maximums(making it difficult to pay people) but it looks like they've improved a little bit on that.

1) Renting garage units2) Additional Pet Fees3) Adding flooring insulation in the upper unit led to improved efficiency and sound reduction for lower tenants.

The challenge is the that you need to have a plan for the property that will allow you to improve rent collection, lower expenses or build the equity.

Management & Leasing FeesManagement Fee: 10% of the monthly rent = $180/monthLeasing Fee (Tenant Placement): 60% of one month’s rent = $1,080 (one-time)Lease Renewal Fee: $250 per lease renewalUpfront & Annual FeesOnboarding Fee: $350 (one-time for setting up the property)Annual Administrative Fee: $45 per year (for statements and 1099s)Reserve Fund Requirement: $300 (held for maintenance and expenses)Maintenance & RepairsOrdinary Maintenance: Any repair costs exceeding $300 require owner approval.Emergency Repairs: Up to $300 without prior approval; HVAC, plumbing, and electrical repairs can go up to $500 without approval.Home Warranty Claim Handling: $40 per claim (if applicable).Multiple Quotes Request Fee: $100 per request if you require multiple vendor quotes.HVAC Filter Supply Fee: $195 per year per HVAC unit.Repairs & Improvements: 10% markup over vendor invoice cost.Additional FeesInterest on Unpaid Sums: 10% late fee with a $39 minimum per month.Paper Check Administrative Fee: $20 per check if not using direct deposit.Insurance Documentation Penalty: $40 per month if proof of insurance is not provided.Eviction Protection Program (Optional): $15/monthProperty Damage Protection Program (Optional): $25/monthTermination FeesEarly Termination Fee: Equal to the management fees for the remaining lease term.Vacant Property Termination Fee: $500 if no tenant is in place.Transfer to Another Manager: $500 file transfer fee.

Sure, I could look for a higher paying job, but I was wondering if anyone has any creative short-term methods to improve my ratio.