If it's buy and hold make the landscaping low to zero maintenance to save on costs or having your tenants be responsible. 

This includes having a clear understanding of holding costs, financing options, and potential rental income once the property is ready.Your current realtor’s local expertise will be invaluable as you navigate these challenges.

Real Estate is definitely not just a "numbers analysis" and you are definitely thinking about things the right way - but I think a good next step for you would be to spend some time putting a lot of this stuff into a (very) basic financial model/spreadsheets mapping out all the potential costs and estimates on effect (effect on value, on exit, different scenarios) - I think getting started with that framework should help with these decisions immensely

Thanks, Kyser Some HOAs have transfer costs.

My advice is to buckle down and save enough for down payment, closing costs, and emergency/rehab fund before you make another investment.

I had more than one appraiser comment that the CLV market is a declining market in their reports and when lenders see that they often cut leverage.A lender will ask for your credit, experience, and maybe liquidity. 

I’m gaining knowledge of costs to replace certain things in the house.

This was a project that I needed to get done quickly rather than get it done cost efficiently.

If you were to wait until the lease ends, can you afford to carry the costs of the property until sold?

My feeling is that the tax evasion thing cuts both ways.