This will allow you to study the market and understand what homes sell for in your area.People may potentially not want to recommend their realtor(especially if they are good) because they may think it is increasing their competition in the area. 

I would make sure the units have modern appliances including dishwashers and modern color schemes.

However, I do see that contractors could get sick of this if they saw no increased business and I had them bid a job a week. 

@Chris Mason - how has the rate increase effected business? 

My thoughts would be just fixing it up will increase the value.

Landscaping can definitely increase ARV, but may make more of a difference when it comes to first impressions of a buyer/renter. 

If an investor isn't game for research, due dil and some increased time/effort, then a self-directed IRA may not be a good fit. 

There is a 6 month seasoning period after the initial purchase to do a cash out on the increased value post rehab. 

However if the property isn't fully stabilized, and it needs to be rehabbed or occupancy increased (fully stabilized is typically considered 85-90% + occupancy) then you may have to do the purchase with a specialty commercial program until it can become fully stabilized.

A 10% increase after a claim really isn't that bad.