We have done some renovations to increase value and functionality as potential rental property.

In many cases, thoughtful function (laundry, storage, efficient flow) beats raw square footage for this renter profile.Curious how others are adapting their buy box — are you still prioritizing larger unit mixes, or seeing similar demand around smaller, well-positioned units?

Also stage that converted garage space better - home office, gym, whatever shows clear function.

Sometimes it’s layout, functional obsolescence, deferred maintenance, or simply buyer pool depth at that price tier. 

I want to bring Unit A up to $940 to match Unit B’s base rate.The Risk:The building has deferred maintenance (siding and roof issues) that no immediate attention needed but they are heading to the end of their useable life and I’m planning to address "as I go" since everything is currently functional.

They want to sit comfortably without feeling like they are in a staged showroom.When a property photographs better than it functions, reviews start to reflect it.

Systems over transactions.This doesn’t mean every function must be internalized to succeed.

Functionally, it operates as a quad.When I attempted to refinance, the appraiser and lender would not proceed because:The property is zoned R-4, andThe previous owner renovated the building without pulling new permits.As a result, the lender will not treat it as a legal 4-unit, and financing has stalled.I’m trying to do this the right way and stay compliant while also unlocking funding.Questions for the group:1) What’s the best way to rectify this—rezoning, variance, special exception, or legal non-conforming use?

Is there an underutilized basement that could become functional space?

Guests book based on function, not just aesthetics, and sleeping capacity often drives revenue more than raw square footage.