All of the above.Grind culture dude, run a tight budget & cast a wide net.

Are you planning to focus on one specific lead source or cast a wider net?

If there’s a cast iron or similar tub there already then I’ll tile it.

Are you looking at properties near specific colleges or casting a wider net?

You generally need permits when you’re touching:Electrical - i.e New breaker box panelsPlumbing - i.e removing cast iron pipes and replacing with PVCHVACStructural elements (walls, beams, load‑bearing anything)Roof workAdding square footage - i.e addition to the home or conversionAnything that changes the home’s layout or safety profileThose items can impact insurance, inspections, and liability, so pulling permits protects you long‑term.Cosmetic work usually doesn’t require permits, like:PaintFlooringCabinetsFixturesTrimAppliances (unless rewiring or re‑plumbing is needed)Another thing to factor in is your exit strategy.

You can cherry-pick the houses and work on specific ones as opposed to casting a larger net where you are competing with larger, more experienced investors/marketers. 

The guy shows up, builds real systems, and actually does what most people only talk about.But to cast doubt on someone without direct experience isn’t just inaccurate — it reflects a broader pattern.

Cast iron drains can be scoped.

For a triplex where you're likely dealing with cast iron drains and potentially knob-and-tube wiring, budget anywhere from $30-60k for a full systems update if that hasn't been done already.That said, the flip side is that properties like this often have tremendous character that commands premium rents in walkable downtown areas.

I am exploring the passive invested rout or as they say in the pod cast the lazy investor.