You wouldn't be financing the reno money, but as long as it could still appraise for $440k, you would be able to use the money saved from the lower down payment to go towards the reno.While I am definitely able apply for a convention loan, as a touring musician during COVID and one that writes off much of my income through my corporation, my tax returns leave me out of the running for a decent conventional loan.

Also, applied for a LOMO to get it out of flood zone.

When tenants can't pay the rent they can try to get a job, apply for welfare, apply for rent relief, go see the priest, or whatever.I run several businesses in California and I try to make believe that I am a manager who is working for a corporation in New York and I have to answer to that corporation for reasons e.g. why I made personal decisions to let tenants get away without paying their rent when I had the option to hire an attorney to evict the tenants.I own several fairly large apartment buildings and every tenant paid their rent on-time since COVID started with the exception of one 65-year old woman who lives in a studio and her rent is $1250.

All of the tools, deals and many education, network, forum matters are country-dependent and so not applying to us.

With one of the units being empty, we were able to update the kitchen, bathroom and apply a better paint scheme.By doing this we were able to secure a tenant @ $700 a month and now we are renting each unit @ $750.

Compare this to any city and the Midwest and it becomes even more impressive that Columbus is exploding right now....we're the only city in the Midwest to experience growth during COVID-19...still retain AAA Bond ratings across the board, have a maxed out rainy day fund and a windfall of tax revenue.Columbus is becoming a hotbed of tech startups to include Olive (AI), Cover My Meds, Root insurance, and Path Robotics...Sequoia Capital has entered our city and providing venture capital for the first time in its history.Bottom lineProperties are still very affordable when compared to national pricesRents are starting to keep pace with purchase priceTop 3 landlord friendly state with no legislation on the horizon to change thisExplosive and sustainable job and population growthUnbelievable appreciation...30% year over price appreciation in entire zip codes is commonOh, and we're insulated from natural disasters...plenty of fresh water...and improving infrastructure 

However, be advised that tenants can and do claim that covid has affected them and if other states are anything like oregon once they do this and once they apply for funding you can not evict them or end their lease. 

I am aware will need to apply for building permits etc but are any of these houses considered historic? 

So go crazy and apply with different lenders to get the best interest.

A notarized letter of authorization is required if a person other than the owner applies for registration.