Look for something that doesn’t require major work (think roof, hvac, rewiring electrical, moving plumbing) as those things can eat up a budget quickly and focus on cosmetics like exterior and interior paint, updating hardware and fixtures, replacing appliances, and focusing on a high value area like a master suite and/or kitchen. 

You have to build in the eviction and the state of the interior in making your bids.

The interior is almost entirely original so it will need some significant updating, there's some exterior work that needs to be done, and possibly some foundation work as well.

In doing so I was hoping to find a home that could use some easy and cheap fixes (i.e. landscaping, newer fixtures, maybe cabinets/paint - small interior changes) and build some equity through a refinance down the line.

We did a interior remodel putting about 100k into the rehab including furnishings.

I fell in love with it instantly, as I have always had a strong passion for interior design and studied that in college.

im looking at a house tomorrow. it has been reengineered and reframed to be a 4 bed 2 bath, so currently the interior is gutted.

I’m also looking for a good surveyor who can also do interior as builts.And lastly does anyone have a contact for someone who could be a Compliance Officer if I STR?

I typically do all the demo, interior painting and some finish work. 

And you can make a frame house appear like a log cabin easy enough by log siding on the exterior, and pine or cedar tongue-and-grove paneling on the interior.