Presently, tenant must exit building and walk around back to basement door for laundry)- Remove tub for walk-in shower (demographic mainly college and professionals)- Retile bathroom & replace sink cabinet + vanity (currently mint green, circa 1970.

Just finished reading David Greene’s book Long- Distance Real Estate Investing  , which I highly recommend. 

PattiThanks so much for the information about the utilities that definitely changes the deal.Question do you find that it is beneficial to equip your homes with energy saving devices.

Most people don't have the time, energy, know-how or connections to build a team out of state in a time efficient manner, but they can run numbers and interview companies! 

@John Elias You don't have to always choose a turnkey company if you want to invest out of state; just ask @David Greene and read his book.

David Greene points out you should look for population growth, job growth (and what kind of jobs), vacancy rate, average income, and building/construction permits.  

As for me, I have a lot of energy and I'm good at solving problems.

Your yard is nice and green, so I'd avoid green.

Once you understand this, you start to see why it is so much more important to understand the condition of the property.New investors spend a great deal of time and energy to worry about rents and if they are $50 more or less, but turn a completley black eye to the roof, that has only 5 years left and will take $10,000 to replace (not to mention all the other items).Generally sellers don't discount their dated properties enough to reflect the condition of major components.

NEW BAMBOO FLOORING THRUOUT MAIN LEVEL, NEW SMOOTH CEILINGS, NEW ENERGY EFFICIENT DBL PANE WINDOWS, NEW ROOF, KIT & LAUNDRY CABINETS FRESHLY PAINTED NEW GRANITE IN KIT & BATHS, NEW STAINLESS APP.