This is basically a possible framework for my semi retirement.  5 year plan Assumptions-My own company is building everything (except electric) and cost savings can be opportunistic on overstocks, returns etc, but my cost assumptions don’t include any savings here.

Now I'm left wondering whether it's best to lower the price to get the property off my hands asap or to make some costly improvements that will probably neutralize any increase in value.

Everyone seems to talk about including the costs of the new mortgage, taxes, insurance, maintenance & capital reserves, and the vacancy projections when looking at realistic cashflow, which we already do for all the properties in our rental portfolio.But we, like many, cant find properties that are making any cashflow sense right now.

However, if it needs that much work you are probably better off going with a hard money loan and then doing a rate & term refi once rehabbed.

Generally its likely not going to qualify for DSCR if it has any rehab, typical rule of thumb is no more than $2,000 in "deferred maintenance" or needed fixes/rehab on the appraisal inspection for a DSCR qualification. 

Now I'm starting to see people push much further out to 3-4 layers away from primary job markets completely sacrificing location for cost of ownership or cost of living. 

My properties are listed on both, but I keep spreadsheets on "issues" their resolution and how much it cost to resolve them. 

Finally, closing costs were reasonable.Cons-  Quality control of closing docs. 

I’ve requested financial statements, tax history, utility costs, and information on the property management company.

When we do the construction loan, we'll take the cost you paid for your lot, your soft costs (plans, permits, property prep, etc) and add it to the build costs (keep in mind, we'll make sure those amounts are fluffed and that they make sense).