It will probably only get used during the winter. and I can see some maintenance issues too with all that moisture inside it would be easy to get mildew or mold growth started if it is not maintained properly and often. also it is traditional to follow up your time in the sauna with a dive into a nice cold lake (or pool), or at least you might want to have a cold outdoor shower nearby. personally I would spend my money on something like a hot tub before I bought a sauna.

However, we want to save more money before purchasing that next home.

This may include tax credits such as 45L for energy efficiency.Optimization of Energy Efficient Tax Credits: AI tools can help real estate investors identify which specific energy upgrades are the most cost-effective upgrades for their properties resulting in a higher return on the improvements.AI can help investors be more efficient and effective with their time and money.

Selling costs time and money. 

After consulting my realtor I discovered the ARV would only be about $60,000 and that it was going to take about 10 years to get my money back and likely 10 years to get the value of the property up consistent with what I had put into it.

You would be exposed to doing work without a permit, the cost of the actual permit and, worst case, having to rip it all out and have a licensed plumber/electrician do it again.I've heard most municipalities around my area no longer charge the work without a permit fine.

Nicholas,You do not need to put money down if you have your certificate of eligibility DD 214.

But when the check came back in the mail I spent the money on something else8.

I have no clue if this is actually true or not but this is what we were told.

One, I have enough money to cover a downpayment + reserves for future expenses for the property.