You can put a washer dryer in its place.You have to choose how you intend to use the property - either as a SFR or as a Duplex.

The smoke damage will require repainting with a special paint to reduce the lingering smoke smell and may well require removal and replacement of some non-damaged drywall.

Margins are smaller, properties harder to find and investors choosing other ways to spend extra funds.

the home needs flooring, siding, paint, clean up and anything else that comes up.Thanks!

Besides the obvious cosmetic work like painting, how do I know what else should be done to get a single family house "rental ready?"

Real estate investing is great because there are a ton of options, but to choose the right path you need to know what your goals are.

If mom is loaning you the money and not acting as an equity partner you probably don't want her telling you what color to paint the walls or hiring out the yard work or picking out tenants for you.Best of luck to you in your endeavor.

If you choose not to mow the yard, they will hire a lawn service and you will pay for it in your rent.

Whatever you choose - just be sure to do your research.

You can have something built to code but not permitted, while something that's permitted is automatically built to code.In my area, the city requires a permit for any work on a house that exceeds $500 - i.e. it's mainly there to make money for the broke municipality - including paint, tile, flooring, any concrete work, door and window replacement, you name it.