Been a lot of work this summer/spring cleaning it up be we are making good progress.

I will do a lot of stuff myself, painting, cleaning, tearing out old carpet, etc.

I would be more concerned about clean title in this scenario than seeking to utilize a self-directed IRA... and am surprised that this issue was not first addressed by other respondents... for example, a defaulted mortgage based on "assignments" created by MERS "Vice Presidents" litter land records in every courthouse in America. 

Does anyone use https://www.happyinvestor.com/ I came across this web site that claims posting good deal below market, below tax appraised value, investor deal etc.

Depending on how long you've been on the site itself you'll find there is a ton of free information.

It’s been rented since I’ve purchased in 2014, but my last tenant just moved out, and after cleaning up I realized how much I dislike what I’m offering and I feel I need to do better.

This site is great.

You can buy it on this site or get it from your library 😁

There is the DC REIA that is led by Sherman Ragland who is on Bigger pockets, do a search for their site (DCREIA); and there is a meetup group that meets monthly at the National Harbor led by Andre Johnson, look on meetup. com and search for "Deals Meetup" (the name of their group)

One block is beautiful, safe, clean, old early 1900's colonials and victorians, and LITERALLY one block away there's gunfire because two gang members got into a disagreement about something.