A smart investor would run the numbers without the basement income.

You're super smart for not wanting to buy at the high of the market but there still might be some opportunities to find good deals. 

Tie the cabinets together with some glass tile using a bright white grout.  

Don't do any deal until you get smart about this complicated space.  

As you accumulate wealth, following the example of the world's top bankers, and holding 5% of your own wealth in physical gold is a smart insurance policy.

Spot on advice.Additionally, smart thinking to post these craigslist details here for us to chat about Matthew.

I will do a backsplash with modern glass tile(once I find it on sale, $6 a square is ouch).

I am a new investor as well looking to purchase my first property soon and my advice to you would be for you to educate yourself and make smart financial decision with your money , keep the future in mind and figure out your niche,meaning the direction you would like to go in real estate.   

Smart man!  

More than 50% of the time I get outbid, the deal comes back around because the buyer couldn't close.Even tho you're new to this, you can still be smart in the way you play the game.