I am curious about the process of improving a fixer-upper myself, but I have never undertaken any project remotely like it.

It appears that you have already acquired significant expertise in renovating an asset.Looking through the BiggerPockets forums is a great way to meet others who share your interests and learn from seasoned investors.

I could do some renovations to a duplex I own but it's already one of the more expensive properties in the area and I dont want to price tenants out. 

I was able to use equity from another property as part of the down payment and renovation cost.

It wasn't about lack of bookings but rather the rates were lower than my initial projections.

It's been a year, and contrary to my initial profit projections, I've been consistently losing money.

I was able to use equity from another property as part of the down payment and renovation cost.

Normally it will require large amount of work or renovations. 

Just as you described.. plus we had 49er season tickets so was there for the games.. you go around candlestick and under the freeway on the west side and that's a tight little area there. did a lot of work in that neighborhood before it rolled up to the projects next to McClaren park. 

How does someone typically finance these types of projects?