And I always try to rehab a little bit nicer than the rest or than I probably have to.

Using VA and getting it restored take some time since the VA is not always the quickest depending on where your regional center is (luckily your in phoenix, thats where the VA admin is on the west coast).I like VA because you can do fourplexes with 0% down and qualification is fairly easily while offering the borrower ability to live for free or make net positive cash flow monthly.

I live in Delaware, I have a restoration company in case any of you need some work done.

I would just restore the house to its original footprint I think.   

Make sure you clarify what will happen if they don't fulfill this duty.Here is an example from our rental agreement:1.LANDSCAPING/YARD CARE.Regular landscaping/yard care (mowing, edging, trimming, fertilizer, weed control) will be provided by _______________________.For all Tenants:a.Tenant agrees to keep yards, walkways, patios and decks clear and to keep premises free of junk and debris.b.Tenant accepts liability for all landscape damage and/or replacement of such, if caused by neglect, abuse or lack of water.c.Tenant may plant the beds adjacent to their dwelling to their liking, but only with those plants that are of appropriate size and type for the beds.All plants brought or caused to be brought to the property by Tenant will be cared for by Tenant.d.Tenant agrees not to cut or prune trees, hedges and shrubs.This will be Landlord’s responsibility.e.Tenant agrees to properly dispose of all plant debris and agrees to not leave such on the property.f.Landlord will consider special Tenant requests for planting and removal of plants, shrubbery and trees, but reserves the right to determine the make-up of the landscaping.For Tenants of single family homes only: a.Tenant agrees to mow, water, and keep the grass, lawn, flowers and shrubbery thereon in good order and condition, applying fertilizers and weed retardant as needed. b.If there is a failure of Tenant to keep the landscaping in good order and to follow these guidelines, Landlord reserves the right to hire a landscaping service at Tenant’s expense (after a 10-day notice to perform covenant).c.Landlord reserves the right to restore the landscaping to its initial condition, as it was at the time Tenant began occupancy, or if improved during Tenant’s occupancy, to the level of such improvement.

I do think it was your responsibility to maintain or at least restore it to that condition.

I promise a $100 electric bill for the month it takes to evict is cheaper than a new fridge (destroyed by mold), new paint (used candles), pipe break restoration (no heat in winter), or any other the other many issues that could arise.

Refi up to 80% LTV and then take a HELOC for the rest or some combination thereof. 

I love seeing a home being restored after years of neglect.  

Cleveland has a wonderful preservation group,the Cleveland Restoration Society, probably the best in the state.