I found a Bigger Pockets podcast on Youtube and I have come here to network, find mentors, and try to get enough information to help me find and obtain my first income property.

So what's the problem?Often times when I'm trying to find one of my old posts, the only way I can find it is to scroll through the pages and pages of them listed under "All Posts" for me.  That's hard to do though if ...

Search youtube for estimating rehab costs.

I did some things right with that first rental (scheduling an open house instead of individual appointments, for example, and screening applicants) but there's definitely room for improvement.

Different ways I can improve the value without spending a ton of money?

As a project manager, I worked on site (painting, installing hardware, fetching materials) in addition to selecting and paying licensed tradesmen to improve the property with the direct knowledge and consent of the deed owners.

If I know I'm going to have capital gains , would it be best to spend the money that's going towards tax on the gain or spend the money on capital improvements to bring up the cost basis?

Waco has seen huge improvements here and with the increase in tax revenue from tourism (magnolia) the government has even more money to spend on that.7.

Department of Treasury with usc exceptionState Tax LienLien by USA or Dept of JusticeUS Department of StateOther Federal AgenciesFrequent Superior Foreclosure-Liens:Code Enforcement for debris removal or mowingDemolition or Environmental Based Liens State child support lienBoard of County Commissioners for special assessmentsUtility LiensWater/Sewer Delinquency (only in selected states)County (and/or School/Township) for unpaid taxesCity for road improvements, maintenanceHere are some of the judgment and liens that will be wiped off from the property (not the borrower who lost the title) if the lien holders were properly notified and "had the right to bid on the property at the auction":2nd and junior position mortgages, such as home equity loans, etc...Credit Card Judgments recorded after the foreclosing mortgage Personal Judgments recorded after the foreclosing mortgageMechanic's Liens recorded after the foreclosing mortgageOther Judgments outside of the ones listed above  

Right after you close on an improved property get an insurance policy that will protect you if there is a loss.