Without collateral, there is NO interest rate/rate of return that would be suffice for my tastes.

I'm thinking this is one of the cheaper and more reasonable ways I can impose my taste on the rehab and pretend that it's not all about the money

Wow, that is a fantastic job, very impressive for anyone, let alone a first timer; you have great taste!

I invested cash and my return has been quite good.I have not had HOA issues or assessments although I keep a large rainy day fund in case it comes.I did have competition from other units but I remodeled a tad higher taste (just a good combo of construction materials, nice colors and good workmanship) that appealed to the aspirational side of enters without screaming expensive, nor being expensive to me.I rented all units in a matter of days.

With your good taste, you might want to consider doing lofts in an industrial building ;)Just my opinions, feel free to trash, just don't bash. :)

I'd agree, you can do it if you want to, although I'd skip it in the bathrooms and I usually prefer carpet in my bedrooms and I think tenants do too, but tastes may be different in TX from WI.

But, my latest encounter with a specific wholesaling operation in DFW has once again left me with a nasty taste in my mouth.  

I realize the bigger money is with flipping the properties but to start I want to get a taste of the undefying process. 

Good job to your team and big kudos to your wife for the tasteful staging!

Looking at appreciation in a short time span is too speculative for my taste.