Generally if you have to fix up a product after you buy it but before it's available to be put to use you would capitalize those items.

there is nothing the other can or can not do.A Direct writing agent, who represents a single company, and per their contract cannot sell other insurance carrier products, may be giving a bias very point.Just find an independent Broker/Agent and you can get access to multiple insurance options.

If you are looking at commercial products it can be a lot faster.

They're even going as far as to say the moment they step into the house they can immediately feel the difference in the air quality and these symptoms occur right away. 

I just don't know if they handle the more investor specific products/transactions.Add to the list of Investor friendly attorney's "North Alabama Title and Escrow". 

Spruce the entire property up both inside and out to attract and reflect the higher quality of tenants.

Be sure to do solid due diligence and get quality inspections.

I currently own a duplex that I am house hacking, however, I would like this next deal to be in a better neighborhood to attract higher quality tenants.

My goal though is to provide a better quality housing stock than what is currently available on the market because many of the house are old (late 1800's early 1900's) and have been neglected for decades.

TIA.If you want this house (that's the first question) and it has some cosmetic deficiencies and it's in a great neighborhood, I would offer him a lower sales price (like 30% lower if that's more in line with what the property will appraise for), take his financing if:there is no prepayment penalty and it's 100% financing the cash flow is acceptableand then refinance it with a lower rate product with no seasoning on title or wait out the conventional seasoning period and refinance it with a Fannie Mae loan.