I’m very familiar with Garfield and I see that as a big challenge as a person can pay $50-$100 more per day and get a modern suite downtown or near the water.Speaking of, the competitive locations decorate their home extremely well.

They assert that the contract for deed has no place in modern property financing, offers no real benefits over the mortgage, and leaves both parties vulnerable to risk and uncertainty.One major objection to the contract for deed is that it is closely associated with a form of predatory lending that was prevalent from the late 1980s through the 1990s.

One thing lacking is modern attractive styling and quality amenities. 

While "upscale vs old-fashioned" would be a subjective option, it would be great to aggregate data around a timeframe when "big items" were updated, i.e. cabinets and flooring were updated in <1 year, or roof is <3 years old, etc.

I am looking for the best way to find the facts in a timely fashion to make this decision, so if anyone has tried and true strategies or ideas, I am all ears!

If you pay market price than you will have a tough time executing out in a advantageous fashion.

The casita is a gorgeous, modern unit that rents for 1350/mo and the main house is unimproved from purchase and rents for $1850/mo Lessons learned?

If it is a non trust worthy GC you may never see that money again & in less drastic terms you simply want to pay for work as it is finished like you mentioned. 2) You can control them because the 30k will be returned to you & then you will disbursement Payment to the GC in standard fashion. 3) If the rehab costs less you do not have to pay the overage to the GC & do not loose this money.

A full blown war in the Modern era would likely not yield good results any where.As a side note- Soldiers who would get deployed that are single and renting would lead to a spike in vacancies.

Have you made purchases in this fashion before?