You never want to start looking at properties that are ultimately going to be out of your price range, so a pre-approval helps to get you focused financially.

I’m in the USA only because I want invest in real estate and achieve financial freedom...

That would be the best financial bang for your buck.

Might not be worth it.It doesn't sounds like making the financial investment for upgrades whether you choose to sell or rent also makes sense.I'd cut and bail, take your money and do something a little better with it.

My podcast co-host Liz Faircloth and I are looking to interview successful women who invest in Real Estate to understand their secret sauce to live a financially free and balanced life. 

I can send you our financials and see if your interested.

My primary goals is to create some passive income through rental properties, either single or multi family homes, to start building wealth to secure my financial future and stop working full time to have more time to pursue my passions and enjoy life with family and friends. 

I have some great kiddos that have been instrumental in completing home improvement projects in the past and I believe it’ll be an easy transition into helping them become more financially conscious.

@Joseph Sangimino - You mentioned that you cannot underwrite based on NOI, and that tells me that you don't have a good idea of value, so that's that's the first thing to solve before looking at possible options for acquisition. 

If everyone one could learn to live below their means, buy assets, shy away from instant gratification and have a little more financial discipline  we could all exit the rat race sooner than later.