.- Cost of Capital: when you compare your deal against WACC, this is return rate of your equity within an individual deal, after factoring out the payback of all debts and equity partners- Opportunity Cost: when you compare your deal against the opportunity cost of similar deals or any other investment you could potentially make, this tells you whether or not it makes sense from a pure return perspective to invest in one type of asset or another.Super basic example below where you buy a 10% return property, and take out a 4% loan at 60% LTV and gather equity for a portion of the remainder 25% of value @ 8% and then comparing the return of your equity against inflation and an opportunity cost investment such as the stock market returning 7%:Note that you compare the rf or inflation and the opportunity cost against your personal equity contribution. 

Specifically:A fresh coat of paint makes everything cleaner and nicerFresh, Clean kitchen appliances have a "wow" factorStone countertops have a wow factor Stylish bathrooms popSo, as I have opportunity I like add value in these ways. 

In full disclosure I am not looking to join one, I simply want to hear from those that have.If you have currently invested in a group such as this, what was the value you saw in the program and what was the determining factor that made you decide it was worth the investment?

Be aware, though, that even if you do compete on price or some other factor, the agents that flock to the new service that has the best splits/bonuses/tech will likely be right back out that door when some new shiny object comes their away. 

I would like to hear any stories in which these were factored in and how it played out, along with some suggestions on what to keep an eye out for concerning corners being cut.Thanks!

This isn't even factoring in appreciation.

Trevonte, previous experience in real estate investing does play a factor in the lender you work with and the terms you may receive.

Another more important factor is liquidity.

@Jake F.Jake do you own a SFH there on the island or a condo, if its a condo how does the HOA fees factor into your profitability?

Will an appraisal come back higher because they would factor in the potential income or would an appraiser stick to the facts ie property size, br/ba, sq ft, finishes etc.We're excited about getting our first deal under contract.