I have strong credit and would be able cover the costs in the case the rental situation doesn't come to fruition, however where I am hung up is #1 - comping out properties in these more rural areas where there is lower volume and inventory to compare on a $/sqft basis let alone if the information is available and #2 - the majority of the properties I am looking at are older (built 1960s-1980s) some have cosmetic renovations but likely still old bones..this brings me to the my final point is building your 'team' I how have others found reliable inspectors, handymen, emergency services contractors, even cleaners for rental properties?

@Jim K.Its a pretty dry climate so the bones are usually good, the studs are usually better then the modern ones!

I had a similar story digging footings on an old house, when the guys found a bunch of bones.

So if you start wholesaling feel free to reach out as I'd love to assist (assuming you throw me a bone when you put that first deal together). 

SFH Pros:-Great "free" leverage-Less risk-Househack (rent out or airbnb rooms)Cons:-Can't completely rent it out because it has to be owner-occupied-Slow cashflow/returnDuplex Pros:-True investment property-Can force appreciation by updating interiorCons:-Tenant recently signed a 2 year lease until mid-2022 that is below market rent-Old home, it has good bones but general contracting labor is expensive since they are in high-demandThank you in advance!

You might also want to throw them a bone for the delay.  

Sounds like you have done the smart thing by cutting the fat off the bones and are concentrating on the bare essentials. 

Or does it make sense to just address the items that will cause ongoing maintenance headaches or lower the quality of living for the tenants, but leave the 'bones' of the house as-is?

I look for good bones, great floor plans, vaults, 3/2, large fenced backyards, and something that just needs cosmetic work to turn it into an above average rental How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

Are people struggling to find properties for sale that still have enough meat on the bone for an investor to turn the profit that they want after resale or rental?