While I wish we had gotten started sooner, at the end of the day you have to be ready for spending your first day replumbing the laundry room, and the other other responsibilities of home ownership.

I'm in a very similar boat... 24 years old, looking for a multi family, and investing in the Midwest (Grand Rapids, MI).

Thank you,AndyHi Andy,I didn't do anything complicated.For example, for living room and hallway flooring, I use vinyl plank flooring.

"I know and trust the companies".On another note, with metal duct, what gauge of metal have they included; are they using long turn fittings with turning vanes; are they using tape, mastic or Aeroseal on the joints; what is the R-value of the insulation (on metal or the flex); have they performed a Manual J and Manual D; have they included dedicated returns to each room or just one central one?

The flooring in the family and dining room is maple that has had nothing done to it for probably 30 years.

 $5,000 (could go with cheaper laminant and save $1,500)4) Gut the two small bathrooms $7,000 (Replace bisque jetted bath tub with white standard tub, reframe leaky tile shower, replace vanities/ toilets.)5) resurface kitchen cabinet doors $1,6006) granite counter top ~$3,0007) Remove structural wall separating living rooms $2,0008) GE appliances $2,200There is other work to be done (HVAC, foundation, paint etc.) but items above are the ones with potential for cost savings. 

My next areas to focus are Katy/Cypress areas and 249/Grand Pkwy. 

Hello, I am a first time homebuyer looking to finance with either a 203k loan or standard FHA loan I have pretty decent credit but not enough cash down payment for conventional loan which is why I'm going the FHA route..my goal after I receive my preapproval is to buy a foreclosed fixer upper in the price range of 60k-80k(either duplex or single family) and use the 203k to add value i.e add rooms upgrade kitchen etc then after a year of primary residency (required for FHA loans) I plan to rent out the other half (if duplex style) and hopefully create some kind of positive  cash flow after expenses etc.

I am in GR and happy to chat if you need to.

Shows there is no room for excuses!