While it is a legal 2 unit, it needs at least 15-20k of work to get it there.Are we making a mistake putting our aesthetic and character desires in the way?

Orlando Buyers Guide, Beginners Guide to Owning a Rental Property, Ten Mistakes to Avoid etc.It is not cheap unfortunately, we pay $8000 per year for it (there are free trials).

Some would say this is 100% approval but its not depending on what the conditions are and underwriters in the past have made mistakes as well but yes it does make the approval probability very high, 98-99%.

I'm just thankful it wasn't black mold and that it was confined to the basement.At the end of the day I'm actually very happy with the situation - it was a great learning experience, no one was harmed, my house is still standing and bringing in checks, I learned how to remove mold, and now I get to share my mistakes with BiggerPockets and hopefully prevent someone else from making the same mistakes!

@Nick Grisanti it is a big mistake to try to shove a technique, like a lease option, down a seller's throat, it takes demonstrating all their options.With low equity deals, I find it is best to:1.

If one color of paint in plain rooms is the expectation you'll waste money with two tone paint and crown molding.Over improving is one of the primary mistakes of new investors.

He meets at a place I'm very familiar with, so I know right where to go.I haven't begun my wholesaling business yet but am laying my foundation with learning so that I don't make a costly mistake out of the gate - I reeeeaaallly cannot afford that.

Anybody can make a mistake - even you and me.

Don't make the mistake i just made, i painted all the subfloor with primer (B.I.N. and another water based primer from Zinnser) which worked well to get rid of the smell.  

MISTAKE, but he brought it on himself trying to be considerate.