I'd also consider buying a place before I move down and maybe AirBnB it until we move.I'd like a place near the light rail, since odds are I'll be working down there when I move and I'm sure renters would also appreciate that.

Purchase price: $260,000 Cash invested: $65,000 Beautiful and quiet upstairs unit with open floor plan and vaulted ceiling for RENT.Spacious 1 bed, 1 bath home, lots of storage and full-size laundry in unit.Large kitchen with natural light, Jack and Jill bathroom, private deck off living room.Large bedroom, park-like views.1 car detached garage and 1 dedicated parking space.

@Jason Ma It looks like you are looking for light cosmetic rehabs only.

In general, that sounds like a reasonable expectation if you are just doing a light rehab.  9) Sure, be concerned... but again, hopefully you've properly vetted the contractor. 

Some of the florescent lights flicker and buzz.

@Isaac Pyle I know you’re not taking this lightly from reading your previous posts which is the only reason I’m providing encouragement.

If it's light rehab you can manage it yourself (ie new flooring, paint, replacement of a few appliances, etc.), however if it's a major rehab you will need a GC.

It took 20 year almost for the light to really turn on, from then on it has been full steam ahead.

Well the home was cramped and kitchen was tiny do we removed a wall and gave it a more open feeling as well as completely updating the house with new floor, paint, lights, cabinets, appliances.

Improvements and costs: repainted everything ($1k); removed carpet in bedrooms and hall and replaced with 25-year LVT ($2k), which required floor leveling; replaced kitchen formica with granite ($1k); professionally recoated very stained cast iron bathtub and tile surround ($1k); repaired kitchen cabs, painted and new handles ($800); new stove hood ($50); replaced old light fixtures ($100); replaced bath vanity and mirror ($250); new toilet seat ($20), new blinds in living room ($100).