Don't think I would do it while it's actively being rented due to the unforeseen complications with your lease agreement, although once you do make your improvements focus on quality, which will allow you to ask a higher rental rate and will as a by product help with your screening process and hopefully attract a better tenant which should ultimately increase your ROI.

Seems that a MIL suite would attract buyers looking for a space that they could either AirBnB/VRBO, house-hack (off the books, roommate-style), or put a genuine in-law into, depending on what stage of life your buyers are in.

Start working your network and tell everyone you know about what you are doing to start attracting private money lenders.

I just read your posts and numerous comments from others on your intent of your first FL vacation/rental home - I thInk a year ago now.

If its not a huge rental market, your rent needs to be much lower to attract renters.

I am living in this house, 8 months in and have done numerous updates.

Using leverage will make most deals more attractive.

Having $12K gross coming in from other tenants could be enough to cover a decent amount of your housing expenses and have your tenants pay off the majority of your PITI; therefore helping pay down your principal which builds your equity.Something walkable to restaurants/bars and close to all of what the Bay Area has to offer will be your best chance of attracting strong tenants with stable incomes and rental history.

Take out the bad/unattractive stuff and put in the good/attractive stuff

One murder numerous violent felony type activites.4.