Will update on how things turn out

If you are looking to sell your home, don't bother wasting your money, stay inside.

I want to keep you all updated here as this journey goes on.

Would he be willing to stay on title until you finish the repairs?

If updating the interior or exterior will allow you to increase rent and get paid back in "x" number of months, I would do it.On the other hand if you have good solid tenants I wouldn't mess with anything.Since your grandfather had these for 20 years some of the tenants may be due for a rate increase without any improvments

Keep us updated on how things are working out.

Here's my update.

Is there an opportunity to improve this rate through better management, screening, updates?

Although you could refinance after a little more than a year (assuming property values stay the same) into an 80% ltv loan, a lot can happen in a year (tenant moves out, roof needs to be replaced, economic downturn, etc) that you need to weather.

@Mike Moe Since they have paid their rent through the 30th they have every right to stay right up until 11:59 p.m. if they so wish.