The only thing I did do was get the water and lights turned on so whenever I showed the house they knew everything worked. 

@John Dirgo Deweese I really like the idea of going with traditional 20% financing, paying for light renovation out of pocket, and doing a cash out re-fi after the unit is successfully rented.

Cool, I'm glad you took it in the light hearted manner in which I meant it to be read! 

Certainly a renovation of this magnitude and scope is typically viewed in a negative light by most investors.

Wow not a light topic.

ryan,do you cover all expenses like light bulbs, pull chains, furnace filters as well?

I would love to hear from a rental veteran from Cincinnati that could shed some light for us.Thanks!

There was very little damage, the place is fairly clean, except it needs a new coat of paint, and repainting the baseboards and closet doors, and mopping the floors, and general light cleaning.

How long before your Light, Water, Cable, Telephone etc. have doubled and you can't afford the Rent?

The light bulb went off in my head.