When we close on a new rental property, we plan the first weekend after closing, have materials ready to go, and hire workers, like we have a guy who works for a painter during the week that will come in and plaster/paint the more difficult rooms while I paint the easy ones, my husband is great with electrical, we both do the little stuff like caulk, clean up the exterior, while a handyman is there changing out a toilet or other items we just don't want to do, and Lowes is delivering any appliances. 

Not much to update for the interior but the exterior is a complete mess as far as curb appeal goes. 

I'm trying to see if anyone would recommend this route opposed to window units (which I hate..), what the general cost would look like, how is maintenance, how is it re: energy, etc.?

@Monica Evans I am not opposed to dogs in my rentals. 

We bought it at auction, and it has enough wrong with it to scare most bidders away, but most of it is cosmetic.It needs all new flooring and paint, and new doors (interior as well as exterior).

Paint exterior, renovate the upstairs, drywall the retail space, tile and paint the interior Lessons learned?

Possibly a little foundation work (it’s on blocks)new water heaterneeds central ac/heat installednew roof (fascia and all components included) new flooring possibly some subfloor replacement exterior siding work(paint some, replace some)some drywall work where there are some small and large holes in the ceiling and walls in a couple of spots. couple windows replaced because of broken glassall new doors (2 exterior 3 interior) new cabinets and counters in kitchennew bathroom sink+vanityThis is in South Mississippi and would be using cheaper materials because it’s in a lower class neighborhood. 

Much better to have a list of some smaller things like putting in some new drywall or a tub as opposed to an overhaul of major expenses that will cost you way more. 

The Assembly Judiciary Committee needs to know you are opposed to AB 1731!

With the average rent being listed as $888 for the city of Lubbock, that leads me to believe that the "decrease" on paper is due to the large influx of student properties having rent listed by the bed as opposed to by the unit which is very common with the large resort-style properties.