I keep the deposits if the house is not broom clean.. or they skip out on last months rent which they know the deposit Is the last months rent..

Most improvements will be just cosmetics such as flooring, kitchen(cabinets, countertops etc.), lighting etc.

It is common in rural areas, many townships have decided to not require permits for repairs, most will require permits for new construction, and additions, or changing window/door openings, or roof lines, I did a rehab in Merrill WI , we replaced windows, roof, siding, flooring and much more, I called the city, they asked if i was changing openings or roof lines, and since I was not, he said no permit required.

Here is a breakdown of the items they saw that needs attention.Needs minor trash removal; needs mownSupport post trim needs replaced; badly deteriorated; upper trim needs scraped and paintedBroken panes on side back needs replacedReplace fixture on front porch; flood lights on backNeeds some minor trash removed and minor work done220 wiring needs secured;not up to code, needs to be placed inside conduit.Install new furnace filterClean and paint register ventsInstall apprx. 4 door stopsFull interior rent ready cleaning required after all work completeReplace as needed to match all light bulbsSteam clean all carpet; sweep and mop vinylReplace missing storm door, paint interior doorPaint all wallsPaint door; interior shows signs of previous leak, but doesn’t appear to be a current problem; paint interiorSeal gaps in side window; paint all; seals appear damaged on double pane windows; may not be an issueReplace screensInstall two smoke detectorsInstall two blindsTouch up, as neededPaint all window sealsSeals appear bad; paintInstall screenVery old and drawers fall out; should be replaced with new; secure handles, if keptHas several large chips; functional sink otherwiseInstall two strainers Install fire extinguisherPaint side exit doorEstimated cost is $4,000. 

We advise our investors to start out with paint and flooring for the first rehab.

Do you have any idea if the filters actually have to be cleaned monthly?

@Lupe HernandezCant wait for economy to turn....so I can clean house buying these future foreclosures....love me some $12k houses...

There many things you need to know ideally before you make an offer.Your first thing and not necessarily be the most important is the first impression when you drive like the building(s) and the landscaping, is it's location good for your tenants, the mix of the floor plans, can you add any value, Make sure when looking at the income and expense records that you looking at actual financial statements.Are there any nearby schools and are there there any nearby amenities and what type of the parking is available to the tenants, how any nearby apartment locations and what, if any, are they doing to attract prospects, look at all units and do not let the current owner trying to get you  not to do that, how does the current rental rates being collected near the market average, does it need any capital repairs or rehab right away,does it have a positive cash flow now, is it being properly managed by property management, and is there any nearby retail development and do its match your target market.

It depends on your location, size of property, purchase price, nightly rate you can get, your upkeep of the property, and many other factors.If your unit shows well in photos and if you build up some good reviews in the first months, and your pricing is reasonable, it will be consistently rented.We have 3 of them, and all less than 1 year so the jury is still out, but in our experience so far, the startup and ongoing costs have been higher than expected, but all are getting good reviews, so in year 2 (now that they are stable) we expect to do pretty well.You have to make sure your town allows it, and you have to decide if you will manage it yourself and take on that extra work (communicating with the guests and people who will clean/make repairs) or if you will hire a property manager, which can be expensive, upwards of 25%.

You can bill him for clean up costs if you hire a contractor but not the gardens if you did not send him notices to maintain the property during their stay.