[BUT I don't know what state/city you're in... some states/cities are much more strict than the federal standards]I absolutely would not paint the basement for that reason - and I wouldn't invest in encapsulating paint unless you know what you're doing. 

We are trying to decide if this is strictly an exercise in how much liquid funds we want to have available, along with a comparison of ROI to any other potential investment, or are we missing another consideration.

The Chicago Ordinance is very strict as it relates to security deposits for non-owner occupied properties.   

"I'm a part time substitute kindergarten teacher and my husband sells sawdust out of the garage so we have a strict budget of $920,000 for the house." 

Some of the local banks around me have some terms for cash out refi and base it strictly on property performance and ARV.

First thing that comes to mind is with the VA strict inspections the property isn't going to be a property with a lot of issues so not a lot of room to ad value. 

Do you work with Investors that need to adhere to strict timelines and scope of work?

Hi Matt, I've tried to use Commerce Bank in the past but their underwriting seems to be a bit too strict for me to qualify in terms of their global income requirements.    

@Sharls Alexander Clearwater is more strict on renting than neighboring Towns/Cities.

Strictly no selling at the meet up.thanks   Brian