My token of contribution here is to say that for Dorchester, depending on where you go you will find better deals on C, D neighborhoods; however as far as Medford, we have already missed the boat and numbers don't make sense out there anymore unless you get deals off MLS.Good luck and feel free to reach out - I am always open to get together for a cup of coffee the next time you are in Somerville.Flavio

My question is, should I find a deal first before approaching him or should I ask him out for a cup of coffee and discuss my plan and see if he's on board?

;) Do any of you have any recommendations for where to source things like cabinets, flooring, fixtures, tubs, toilets, sinks, granite or appliances in Charleston besides Lowe's or Home Depot?

Many of the other units in my building including owner-occupied, and recent rentals have black refrigerators, laminate countertops, and basic light fixtures, however, Bronzeville rents appear to be rising and there are many units in the neighborhood with better finishings.  

Also new electrical and plumbing fixtures.

You can also look inside the panel (or have someone qualified do that) and see if there are any Al wires.You can look at the other end (fixtures, switches, outlets) but this may not tell you as it was/is common practice to pig-tail copper onto Al to allow Cu fixtures and switches to be used (they are far cheaper).  

I am painting the exterior of the house and doing a little cosmetic work (updating fixtures, interior painting).

Now the tenant can move in.Before:After: (I will eventually replace that light fixture.

And here is a rough breakdown of the repairs (I noted the items where we supplied the labor):Demo: $500Attic finishing (rough carpentry, insulation, drywall, trim): $4,500Plumbing (move bath vanity; new fixtures in bath & kitchen): $1,050Electric (move range outlet; remove old fuses; replace all switches, outlets & fixtures): $750Wallpaper removal & paint throughout (material cost only - our labor): $600Kitchen cabinetry & countertops (replaced w/ used cabs from Craigslist & reclaimed soapstone counters; material cost only - our labor): $850Appliances (new refrigerator; used range): $500Interior doors & hardware: $500Flooring (vinyl floors in attic & kitchen; material cost only - our labor): $1,500Windows: $1,600Asbestos duct removal: $500Misc. carpentry (trim repair; closet shelving, etc; material cost only - our labor): $300Exterior work (gravel; landscaping; paint; material cost only - our labor): $350Utilities: $200Misc: $500TOTAL: $14,200

Electrical - should be good, but insects may have built in panel and outlets or fixtures.