@Brittney Yang surprisingly I have found that I can have glue down LVP installed by a local flooring company, we use Artisent Floors, https://artisentfloors.com/, for our local renovations and they are awesome and they can do it for less than what I can buy the product for at Lowes or HD even with my 10% military discount! 

Also, there may be some tax benefits if they can qualify for federal funding based on low income. 

I tried to do a cash out or heloc on this house but it couldn't be done because of the price it was low. the house is located in Rockford il, planning to buy in Rockford as well since I live here.

The short version is that you want a strong and diverse job market, low unemployment rates, a growing population, low vacancy rates and new development, affordability/cost of living, real estate laws and court system, good schools, and low crime.Check out the videos from Dave Meyers with BiggerPockets.

Background on me: I need to obtain a graduate degree for promotion at work, but it can be in any field at low-no cost to myself.

I am finding it difficult to find deals due to inaccurate rental projections with high prices and low supply.

Here’s why lease options are a game-changer:🔹 Low Risk, High Leverage – Instead of buying a property outright, you lease it with the option to purchase later.

Utilized a low down payment loan, maxed seller credit, tax proration and closed on the 1st of the month to maximize my cash and acquire this property What was the outcome?

Rental property prices are low in this area, leads me to believe there are problems with the rent collected vs expenses.

We decided to market it as a 4 bed/1 bath with an office.Listing Price - $199,900Property Taxes - $2,230.13AssumptionsPurchase Price $230,000In this case I had seen similar properties selling for $225K - $250K so I felt the property was listed low to drive up interest.