the building has not been maintained well at all so the trim, walls, all that are ready to be replaced.I can't speak to the insulation part, but I recently framed over a masonry wall for aesthetics ... still used 2x4s, only oriented them so the wider part (3.5") ran parallel to the wall and the wall only came in 1.5"+ drywall thickness ... the trick for electrical is that they sell "narrow" outlet boxes designed for this applications rather than the standard depth ones designed for framing the traditional way.

When you are first moving out and living on your own, I can promise you you will come across expenses you probably never had to worry about (medicine, dry cleaning, various utilities, etc.).  

Any suggestions on an investment friendly traditional  lender in the Cincinnati area  thanks 

Also, would a traditional lender finance this deal, keeping in mind that it needs $30k of work?  

Is a solo 401k something I need to open up with say an eTrade or Scott trade for example or do I go through a traditional bank like Chase or Wells Fargo?

Is there a limit to the number of refinanced properties you can own through traditional lending?  

@Jeff AdemaA self-directed IRA is held by a specialty custodian with the paperwork and business model to document non-traditional assets such as private promissory notes or mortgages.You could not setup an IRA and lend to yourself for your project however.  

(I apologize for the format; my copy is in columns and it did not transfer very well.)Move-Out Charge SheetCleaningClean refrigerator $25.00Clean stove top $10.00Clean oven $30.00Clean kitchen cabinets $30.00Clean kitchen floor $25.00Clean kitchen countertops $15.00Clean tub/shower surround $30.00Clean sink $15.00Clean toilet $20.00Clean bathroom cabinets & floor $20.00Window cleaning (per window) $10.00Vacuum/sweep through dwelling $40.00FlooringRepair carpet $85.00Replace linoleum $6/sq. ft.Replace floor tile $75.00 ea.Replace laminate flooring $10/sq. ft.WallsRemove/treat mildew (per surface) $15.00Repair hole in wall $55.00Repaint (per wall/ceiling) $40.00DoorsReplace door (interior) $165.00Replace door (exterior) $485.00Replace weather stripping $25.00ElectricalReplace light bulb $3.00Replace light fixture globe $20.00Replace light fixture $65.00Replace electrical outlet/switch $15.00Replace electrical cover plate $2.00PlumbingReplace kitchen faucet $150.00Replace bathroom faucet $105.00Replace faucet handle $20.00Replace faucet aerator $10.50Replace shower head $27.00Replace toilet $175.00Replace toilet seat $25.00LocksReplace key (door or mailbox) $10.00Replace cylindrical door lock $35.00Replace deadbolt lock $25.00Windows and Window CoveringsReplace window pane (single) $75.00Replace window pane (double) $125.00Replace mini blind $20.00Rescreen window screen $25.00Replace window screen and frame $50.00MiscellaneousReplace refrigerator shelf $25.00Replace stove/oven knob $20.00Replace plastic countertop $275.00Replace mirror $45.00Replace medicine cabinet $75.00Replace towel bar $25.00Replace shower curtain rod $25.00Replace shower curtain & rings $13.00Replace shower/tub enclosure $350.00Replace thermostat $80.00Replace fire extinguisher $30.00Remove junk and debris (per area) $35.00Replace smoke detector $15.00Replace combo detector/alarm $40.00Replace alarm battery (per battery) $2.00Replace drop ceiling tile $10.00Replace wireless doorbell $35.00Replace portable window screen $10.00Actual charges may vary based on condition and/or vendor bill.

I am getting conventional/traditional financing for my first home and I'm interested in a house in my preferred neighborhood.

I've heard of Ally but not Synchrony, you'd think the online banks could offer better returns, not needing to maintain the brick and mortar footprint of traditional banks.