During those peak months most units can only be toured during the turn, which is the time a unit is cleaned after guests leave, which is usually just one day. 

Even if you lose a couple thousand on your first deal - those lessons are worth much more and you are able to learn those lessons in your 20s and not in tour 40s.

Is the process 1) tour myself see what I can see, 2) have contractor check first or offer and have contingency for appraisal/check?

You can also gain a lot of information attending local property tours and get a feel for rehab numbers.  

Perhaps tour a property and stop into the management office and visit with them.  

Reaching out here to see if any contacts have leads on west side properties to tour while I'm there. 

I toured a 12 unit property where the numbers looked good, I liked the location and layout, but I found out that the whole thing was constructed with 2x4's.

@Eric Turner did they give you any ideas on the house you are touring/viewing?

That said, I've toured everyone's house, and I added the most upgrades in my area by a good margin.How much value will an appraiser account for in terms of the 45k in upgrades? 

Some of these books are very American...I can see past this but something with a more UK or European outlook may be a good idea to go with the above.Feel free to add some suggestions....Have a great weekend 😀