It varies by jurisdiction but in my area most building code issues that were not in force when the property was originally built are not required to be remedied to get approval to renovate.

Guessing a couple of those other 9 buyers wish they'd ponied up that extra $20k.Whether it'll pay off this time remains to be seen...now the fun begins...who's ready to reposition and force some value!

I am hoping to force some equity by bumping up rents and fixing it up but not sure if there is meat left on the bone.

I assume this will force him to communicate with the mortgage company again which is what he is afraid of.thanks for the responds too, much appreciated.  

In which I'm forcing appreciation through the renovation.

And many Americans are still dealing with the fallout of the housing crisis and have been forced into the rental market while they repair their credit.But the boon to the rental market is also being marked by a shift in societal attitudes.

Never ever try to force yourself to make the numbers work.

They don't monkey around w/bunches of SFRs and can get 300 units under one property ownership w/one loan, expert management and take advantage of scale / forced appreciation which is not something in the SFRs lingo kit.  

Are you able to force equity with some rehab?

The exception being if you could force appreciation (increase below market rents and renovating/upgrades).So, when analyzing properties include all potential rental income (as if you are not house hacking) and all possible expenses (even if you self manage, do lawn care/snow removal, minor repairs, etc.).