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

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

I am in Boston, funny you should mention it!

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. 

These websites are also a great source to gain knowledge about so many things needed to make educated descisions.It's funny you mention Arizona, we might want to connect here on BP to exchange a few thoughts and more specific ideas and perhaps even collaborate.

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.

But from what I've read, if that company set up the mortgage, there must have been some funny business.Now what you're saying about the principal growing and the payoff quote being higher, I confess I know nothing about that, and that is VERY helpful advice.