For this, I have to compare my condition or projected condition to competing rentals, how long an improvement will last, (Granite counter-tops versus an upgraded toilet paper holder) the trends in the market place, such as what tenants appear to be trending toward liking, how popular a particular item is, and wether I might get only the same rent as I would have, but possibly just get a better tenant.Those are all bottom-line, figuring out the net dollars concerns.2) How much time and aggravation it saves me:Here, I go beyond just how many net dollars in extra rent I'll collect, versus the cost of improving, and I consider how much extra time it takes me to wait another week to rent it, or possibly how much time I waste dealing with a "b" quality tenant, when for an extra $1,000 worth of upgrades, I might have attracted an "a."

There is alot of legal items that will cover you that you did not mention.

@Celia Holliday, I hope your sweet tooth is ready Listen to all podcasts at least twice : wisdom Try to read at least one BP articles per day Go through this thread truth about wholesaling Also search for “ marketing “ via biggerpockets. ( yellow letters , zip , driving for dollars , and etc ) Start compiling list of contractors, agents, title companies, hard money lenders, Home Depot/Lowes( itemize list of supplies costs ),and local banks ( refinance requirements ).

Technically this was yesterday, but I reviewed the absentee owners list i received, identified the best targets to mail to, went to the post office to get stamps, and mailed out my first set of post cards.Today's agenda items including reviewing a marketing podcast and reviewing my marketing plan to make sure it's the most cost effective strategy.

Wayne you are so incorrect, they sold me an item at auction they must produce the item.Wayne not everyone will travel 1200 miles to see something in person now that we are in the internet age!

Such items again need to be addressed as representations in your contract to survive settlement.

Not what we were expecting nevertheless we are asking our contractor to review report and initial itemized bid to get an high-level sense of cost so we can re-negotiate price.  

We found the more properties we own, the more we are forced to streamline operations and run things professionally.The only item I would like to add is take everything in stride.

The tenant smoked in the unit (even though their original lease said no smoking), so it had to be repainted and several other smaller items needed repair.

To further convince you, you should do a google search for news items involving Montelongo; you might discover items such as this:http://www.mysanantonio.com/business/article/Financial-roof-falls-in-on-pair-of-house-flippers-4559692.php