For example, do you want something that is move in ready and may just need minor improvements; or would prefer to purchase a distressed property that needs some work, but could potentially yield a higher ROI.As Adam mentioned, getting your financing in order is a crucial first step as then you will know what you can afford to buy.

Talking to the tenant has done very little to improve the situation. 

What's the biggest point of improvement?  

So usually only improve what really needs to be improved.

I also haven't seen much improvement on the wholesale deals being presented yet.

Are there any available classes on home improvement in the nyc area?

So far as ROI, you don't want to over improve the property.

I'm finishing up a project in Atlanta, GA (Edgewood area) and want to make a few improvements to the backyard.

At those numbers it will take about three years for the improvement to pay for itself.  

Scenes and automations are straight forward easily programmed in SmartThings and Samsung made some big improvements in that recently.