But didn't expected to find all other important components near the end of their life as well.

Could be “need to move closer to work” or “downsizing” or whatever.Other option to consider is refinancing your current home into a conventional loan if the numbers make sense (main thing to consider is if you have 20% equity to avoid PMI) but that would free up all your VA entitlement.

Its a brick ranch and has an unfinished basement that is the same square footage as the main floor (2,100 upstairs and 2,100 downstairs; so 1,050sqft per unit), basement is subterranean and ceiling height is only a few inches above ground level.

Mine has the washer and dryer in it, mainly because of it's location it's very difficult to get one in an out of the laundry room/half bath.

So if thats your main goal then it should work

@Leland SmithThe main thing that comes to mind is to ask for references.

The two main criteria that I look at are ensuring that my PITI is covered or close to covered while living in the property and making sure the property cashflows when I move out when factoring in Capex.

We put in less than $5000 which was mainly flooring, counter, and paint.

Ask for feedback. ...Hey Joe, I' the listing agent on 123 Main, How did your showing go?

I took advantage of the no capital gains tax period and will put the equity into investment projects closer to home here in Maine.