The first one I did a lot of stuff myself (thankfully it was small a small 2/1 which needed plumbing (bath and kitchen), paint, wood floors and minor electrical).

Landscaping in excellent condition, as well as plumbing and electrical.

In fact, the tenants might have information about the property that I'd find helpful (plumbing is always breaking, can't keep the house warm, etc.).

If you're able to take any technical classes that teach you things like plumbing, construction, etc. look into those as well as it'll save you money down the road for example if you know how to fix a broken toilet in one of your rental properties.Talk to your network of friends & family to see if you already know someone who may be in the real estate business.

@Naveen Desai I would start with plumbing and electric.. then kitchen, flooring and paint.

Besides the regular DWV plumbing, the house has hot water heat, so those pipes and radiators could've been damaged as well, potentially causing HUGE amounts of damage.

Typically you still have one roof, one plumbing system etc...

3) What type of improvements should I be comfortable doing myself vs contracting out besides electrical/plumbing/HVAC?

Larger Plumbing outfits quoted over $1000 installed new.

That will save me about $700.Found a guy to lay the tile in the kitchen and foyer area for 800.Still trying to get the plumbing all done.