That carpet has probably been down for 20 years or more, based on the color and design. 

Since I was a teenager I have had a love for making an outdated home beautiful from my mom (who enlisted me for help due to her lack of eye for design) renovating her home.

I wonder if people can comment on two strategies and how they might interact with certain lifestyle design desires.The two strategies are staying cash flow positive or neutral in order to play the long run appreciation game, and going for higher cash flow right off the bat, but perhaps sacrificing some long term appreciation.

@Ruchi Patel --The Green Card is handled by the NJ Dept. of Community Affairs (DCA), which is a state level agency.From a City standpoint, you'll have a number of hurdles, both zoning and building related.The property's zoning designation may not permit a 3-family use as of right (per the current zoning code), so in order for them to allow a conditional 3-family use, you'd need a variance.If they grant the variance (which is a process in and of itself), you will likely face challenges from a building standpoint as well as they may require you to bring certain elements of the building up to code (i.e., fire suppression / sprinkler system).

IF it's on a concrete pad, natural gas fire pit and direct hook up for the BBQ, then it's probably not going to be an issue.John, since you are starting from scratch, as long as this is contemplated while designing it, you are good to go. 

Was there a reason that you added those bricks on the bedroom wall behind the TV or was that just a design element?

Bryan, the Solo 401k plan is designed for those who are self-employed.

My wife and I work together as a real estate and interior design team, specializing in green design. 

2.Are these systems designed to only provide additional heating/cooling or can they handle the job on their own?

I don't look at properties that are designated in a flood zone.