Can I buy a property for $100K & put in another $100k from my funds to improve it?

Now the returns you should require depend on what your buyer profile is.

Also, would a bank appraise the property if they did none of the improvements?  

The “seller” will buy back these two tracks with the proceeds of MUD bonds he sold to reimburse himself for advancing $8 million for utilities improvements.

In fact, most of the "housing distortion" you see in these markets I think can be identified from the regulations that were trying to solve a real problem but just got in the way and either made building new apartments more difficult, or maintenance and improvement of neighborhoods more difficult. 

Depending on how much the property is worth the refinance can be used to improve the property.How much are the properties worth?

Ask the MLO what can be done to improve the DTI. 

One way is to force appreciation, through improvements.And she has your perfect path (in my opinion): to buy a property that needs slight improvements and updates.

We improved the amenities by extending the pool deck, adding a large pergola, bought new pool furniture, and added a grilling/seating area.

I hope to start investing in South Jersey so I can focus on my first property and learn from the things I do well and also the things I can improve upon.I am so excited to join the BP community and more than willing to put in the hard work to learn from all of you!