I would take some time to do some research around markets that are investor-friendly and reach out to agents, investors, and property managers to pick their brains and evaluate.  

You have more time than money (probably) so use that time to do this work and fix up the room to look very nice.

This field offers incredible opportunities for growth and learning, and it's great that you're eager to master it.

I'm particularly passionate about fix and flip and section 8 in Baltimore, Tulsa, San Antonio, and Houston.Outside of real estate, I enjoy triathlons, martial arts, fatherhood, and time with family and friends.Excited to learn and connect with you all!

That would give me enough time to repair the house to meet conventional standards and force equity for the cash out LTV %.

Yet, some said this would be a lot of time and money.  

I work with a lot of buyers and most of the times they do not care about these items.

If they don't, it might be time for a new accountant. 

Hehe... thanks for the kind words and humor,@Chris Seveney and really appreciate you taking the time to read and respond. 

Hi Keri,I've navigated this several times over my 20 years in the field, both for myself and for clients.