There are other calculations that you have to factor in to get to your adjusted cost basis such as recapture of depreciation and adding capital improvements to the basis.- Can I use the closing cost amount of the old and new home as part of the tax free money I can spend from the 1031 exchange or these closing cost are purely out of pocket amounts?

Apply for home improvement store cards as a backup source of funds for rehab supplies.

Why would you want to invest in private equity versus a publicly traded stock or index fund?

It's scheduled to improve but not anytime soon You do better going for 3rd ward area is booming historic district in reconstruction money all over 😀

@Garrett Diegel,There is nothing "short" (in terms of time) about a short sale aside from the money the bank receives versus what it paid out..

Increasing the rent will dramatically improve your ROI. 

There’s less appreciation potential unless the investor repositions the property and improves operations.

What are your opinions about returning the full security deposit as versus retaining the last months rent out of it?  

But could be improved with the right group of investors. 

Personally I wouldn't have the tenant build it, but 10 year tenants looking to improve the property may tend to keep staying.