I turned the old single screen into a more modern two screen theater.

In some cases, yes, but with enough preparation and confidence, even a new investor can get this done without the contractor knowing they are new.I would not give out any info that is unnecessary such as "I am a new investor".

You might try a yard sale to replace the appliances, ask everyone you know if someone needs a rental, be sure to screen the tenant so you don't end up in worse shape.

Items would include things like a - $50 Gift Card (Home Depot, lol jk)- House Cleaning service- Coffee Machine- 42" Flat Screen TV- and Ca$h.The only way to get the good items would be to be an outstanding tenant with at least 2-3 year stay.

I manage the books / finances / tenant screening and partners do property management / boots on the ground.

In order, I would research:1 - Anti Discrimination in Housing, including the questions you can and cannot ask during the tenant screening process.2 - Lease law - how to construct an iron-clad lease3 - Eviction process and law - hopefully you will never need this.Read up on some of the success stories here on BP.  

Let us know some more details and/or snap a screen shot of the appraisal.

I prefer this to open houses since I can't watch everyone visiting during an open house to make sure they are not walking off with the current tenant's stuff, and I know who will be there- being on time is part of my screening process.Kelly

You are getting a painful lesson on the importance of screening applicants.

I'm ready to add a purchasing manager to handle seller calls once they have been tended and screened by my VA team.