Most people are aware of Myrtle Beach, but we have so much more: Garden City Beach, Surfside Beach (fewer STR, here), Murrells Inlet, Pawleys Island, North Myrtle Beach, and Cherry Grove.

That's not to say, put in the best finishes and fixtures, but more like "improve everything that needs to be improved,"  and then you can consider elaborate design.Taking that idea to a flip, if I said "a $15k kitchen renovation turns more profit than a fresh paint." 

I also saw a desire for HOA protection from junky cars up on blocks in the front yard, but much looser restrictions so that people could do what they wanted without a lot of interference, such as chicken coops, 4H projects, vegetable gardens, barndominiums, etc.

New luxury apartments are being built in a few areas of the city as well as businesses such as gas stations, restaurants, a beer garden, a car wash, and some other “trendy” businesses that will bring in a new crowd.

I would like to know your thoughts on the upside/downside/estimated cost of converting a brick two flat (one bath, three bedrooms each) in Ravenswood Gardens (60625) from steam heat to forced air with AC.

If you have already spoken with the owner how about mentioning having the property sold vacant so you can start with fresh tenants.

Rehab the unit you are occupying and after rehab rent the rehabbed unit at top of market because it is freshly rehabbed then move to other unit and then rehab that unit.  

I would paint the first level (brick) white and second level (I’m assuming it’s vinyl or wood siding) a royal blue for more dramatic look or beige color for a fresh look.

While I have yet to ever come across a deal meeting the "mythical" 2% rule I believe you should be more than able to achieve exceed 1% in Miami Beach, Little Havana, Allapattah, Liberty City (I just sold a house here and I agree with the others that the 1% rule will probably be negated by the increased management/tenant challenges), Miami Gardens & North Miami.

Fresh paint, new floors, make sure everything works as should and get as much rent as possible.