Currently in our market, I advise buyers going in that we are only looking for major safety or health concerns (foundation issues, mold, rodents, etc.) and we're not going to beat the seller up over broken light switches or a loose handrail.

I asked her where the higher cost was coming from, and she left it vague and said it was time and materials based.I asked her via text if I switched to self pay, if I could bill my insurance on my own later, and she said “We would wait to submit to insurance on the proper software - it won’t be broken out the way they prefer,” which strikes me as strange since it seems like the insurance and I should get pretty similar information or invoice breakdowns.

I could definitely stand to do an upgrade!

Walking the property with the appraiser gives you a chance to highlight upgrades or improvements.Keep records.

The extra cash flow that results when you don't have to pay taxes can be used to upgrade the property or purchase additional properties.

Buyers love “maintenance-free” upgrades, and it could put more money in your pocket at sale than an old roof with missing shingles.So yes, financing the roof through the contractor will show up as debt and could trim your buying power on the next mortgage.

Any surprise “gotcha” expenses (sewer connections, environmental cleanup, electrical upgrades)?

An owner needs construction or upgrades—who connects them to trusted professionals?

Sometimes a higher-priced unit might make the other seem like a deal, but it could also lead people to think the building is overpriced overall and skip it entirely.It might help to make sure the differences between the two units are really clear, especially if one has upgrades or a better layout.

Investment info:Single family residence, fix an flipPurchase price: 250,000Cash to be invested $50kEstimated home value: $400krepair costs: $50kState of home: Has several upgrades already like roof, cabinets and others , but it has not been kept up and the owner is being forced to leave.What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?