Just slightly limiting myself as I prefer to live close to work as the occ requires, but would rather have some extra drive time to go along with some extra cash. 

@Brian Stennett Sr adding square footage, adding a second bath, kitchen reno, bath reno, fresh paint.

Roommate situations can be tough enough for a landlord as it is so adding a bad tenant on top of that is not a good idea.

Craigslist ads may help too if landlords often include utilities in rent. 

adding value to them is key.figure out what can you do to help them. 2.

Work done prior to the property being put 'in service' is just added to your cost basis.   

The more expensive suits are those with unknown heirs as prior owners, which will require a court-appointed guardian ad litem. 

They accepted that at signing and that was that until I decided to replace it and added an addendum to the lease stating that it was functional.In the future, check all working items in your property and make sure each non-function item is listed.

Another option is perhaps less attractive but if the money is added to your account over a couple of months and for a couple of months, you wouldn’t have to explain where it came from.

@David Wilbanks Even though your wife's credit is bad I would still think that adding her income would help.