Things to save money on here and there are painting yourself if you can do it well, light fixtures, GFCI (you need one but not every outlet because you can tie them in with each other), tearout.

( I’ve had good luck playing that card showing the owner the cost get the complex in compliance or buying contingent on it being compliant)-expenses seem a little light if it really is a somewhat run down property in a bad area ( depending on your investment strategy these properties tend provide better cash flow to somewhat compensate for the lack in appreciation)-are tenants paying utilities?

So they set all of the gold cars they saw in the parking lot on fire.No caption necessary for this toilet from hell.This is what a kitchen can look like when a low income tenant moves out of it.This is what a backyard can look like when a low income tenant moves out of it.If tenants in these tough neighborhoods don't have yards, don't worry they will light off their fourth of July fireworks in their bathrooms.Don't worry though.

@Zackarias Aitchison - Replacing lighting with LED fixtures or bulbs, also pipe wrap is an inexpensive upgrade. 

Then the problem belongs to the seller.Finally, you can take steps to get the unit legalized, assuming certain conditions exist (ie, there's 2 means of egress and large enough windows in at least one room to satisfy light and air requirements).

So this month she shows up with her portion of the rent (shes section 8 and they pay most of her rent) and its $80 light.

I chatted with a couple of attorneys and they all give the green light but the banks are worried about going forward because I'm trying to use FHA and its a little too grey for their preferences.Thanks everyone!

I chatted with a couple of attorneys and they all give the green light but the banks are worried about going forward because I'm trying to use FHA and its a little too grey for their preferences.Thanks everyone!

HiI am a beginner and was hoping somebody can shed some light on best tips to get started on finding my first dealAny do's and dont's and just how to start iff really.

Hi Sylvia,If it were mine,  (and if I wanted to spend the money):I’d leave it all white and,Put black shutters on all front windowsGet rid of the cement circle in the front yard.Berm the driveway with soil to the grade of the cement (liability issue)Paint the utility box on the left side white to blend in.Paint the front door blackPaint the breather medallion at the peak black(Spray) white on the porch railing and uprights.Add some  low maintenance evergreen bushes to the left side that are just above porch floor height.Rewire the over garage light to 3 lights (1 to the right of the front door, one on either side of the garage) and use brass classic looking carriage lights.Convert the over garage light to a motion sensor with 2 flood lights for tenant safety and tenant retention.Put Large Brass house number to the right of the door at an upward angle.Good Luck with your decisions!