Gino not passive investor per se but I have made a few small bets..

I am sure early on in your career you`ve made mistakes and trusted the wrong people/professionals, and I bet that didn't prove you a bad real estate professional.

You'll see a ton of people make money on the connection to the realtor, investor, and/or professional versus being them him/herself.

As mentioned, your best bet is to get an adjuster to try to assist on working with you to maximize the amount received.

Jesus only mentioned tithing to illustrate how hypocritical the Pharisees were but you can bet most preachers won’t preach it that  way .just like when you hear of the parable of the “ widows mite” preachers are quick to say it’s an example how we should do sacrificial giving down to the penny  like the old widow did when it was actually when understood in context as another example of Christ calling out the Pharisees and how they extort people !   

I bet the numbers look a fair bit better than here, I would hope. 

And I'd bet your 'Contractor' is not licensed or is not very good compared to typical standards...But good luck....

Save the money, clean it till it shines, maybe basic improvements like a few new light fixtures or at least matching/bright lightbulbs, maybe a few new faucets, some paint touch ups and sell.If you’re hiring a Realtor®, they can tell you pricing in current condition versus pricing with a few minor changes.

Furthermore, this rule may be disregarded as investors become more creative.For instance, if investors intend to buy and make a long-term hold play, betting on appreciation, they may be able to afford to pay more.

I'm on the fence with a mid grade carpet that gets replaced with each tenant, versus a higher quality that can stand up to stains and cleans well.