However, due to layout, they could be used for that.

The staging gives configuration/space/layout options.

Go to every open house you can which are easy to find via Redfin which is a website and app even if you don't like the house you can learn something from them all like the competition in the market or a certain layout you may like or anything really. 3.

As a professional Graphic Designer, I will lay out it straight for you in terms that real estate investor should immediately understand. 

I would be changing the layout from a 5 unit to a four unit.  

This layout helps illustrate to the newbies exactly what is necessary and when to do it (order).It is a typical outline of an experienced investor's process.

Paying for upside takes away the upside.You also mention 5 buildings, how many units in total and what is the layout?

Account Closed our long term and short term goals...and while I know those are very important to lay out a proper road map...still working on that -_-' Unfortunately, my husband and I have a lot of student debt so I think it limits us on the type of investment options we could do as individuals.

@Jon Kessler I wish they paid above market rent here :( Akron just passed a law that you can't discriminate on source of income so I tried it -- AMHA took 2 weeks to offer me $41 less than I've gotten on the last 3 rentals that I rented in the neighborhood (all the same size and layout).

A more modern kitchen layout may help if you are redoing a kitchen.