I know the cost is on the low side for houses.

I feel the Bowie/Upper Marlboro area offer great value for flipping and/or rentals because the costs are lower yet you can sell to the DC buyer.  

She then proceeded to harass the landlord and property manager about EVERYTHING- the sewer, the gate, the garage - everything was not to her liking.

These are typically deductible in the year they’re done.On the other hand, improvements that better the property, restore it after substantial damage, or adapt it for a new use generally have to be capitalized and depreciated over time.Now, if the cost is $2,500 or less, you might be able to use the De Minimis Safe Harbor election to expense it immediately, rather than depreciating it.

Or for Closing cost, Ernest money deposits, etc.

I am 98% in the Tampa marketHowever, I am originally from Atlantic City NJ area and actually manage 1 outside of AC and had previously managed a couple in the Long Beach Island area.Obviously very seasonal market but the one I have in Ventnor was bought for around $800k and grosses around $120k per year, 80% coming MDW-LDW

One challenge we encountered was managing the renovation timeline to meet market demand.

If you complete a deal in the first 6 months after purchasing it, he will refund you the cost to buy the program.  

If not, how did you evaluate reno costs before closing to know if this would be a deal that would make you money?

Do you want to manage an STR?