The only common scenario where we’d recommend buying a condo as an investment is if it’s going to improve your life in some way (you plan on retiring there in the future, a kid will be moving in the area in a few years for school, etc.). 

I wanted to make sure our landlord didn't increase our rent based on on our property improvements, sell it or ask us to leave.

So they constantly need fresh leads generated by the service, which is the only reason they're willing to pay the service to generate them.I know that the second you register as a home improvement contractor with a general liability insurance policy in Pennsylvania, the services start calling you to try to get you to work for them.

I am thinking to start my portfolio besides the apt above my garage is a single family house that needs some improvement around $100,000.

I did see them go up yesterday (as gold and oil improved) and even saw 5%.We were out bid on Thursday in Seattle on 2 homes..

If your going to increase the rent you might want to improve something in the unit or on the grounds to look like your not just taking revenue, especially if the units are difficult to fill.

Definitely has some room for improvements.

From some basic googling I understand improvements are not deductible? 

We hoped that we'd eventually win with an improving economy. 

Multifamily (Apartments) one location with many units, because its commercial you can improve the value of the property by managing it better, reduce expenses or increase revenue or both.