Spending money on improvements increases your cost basis, which lowers your taxable gain, but it doesn’t change the exchange rules.

How should I begin my search?

A true title search includes many things other than the land records like; judgements, municipal liens, federal liens, bankruptcy, estate search, divorce records etc. 

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. • Bridge-to-Perm Structures: Use a short-term bridge loan for higher leverage to close, then refinance once you stabilize or improve the property. 

Quote from @Hilary Sackor: Hey, I am currently struggling with searching for good areas in the city that would make for a great place to invest, with hopes that the area will continue to improve and become more renter-friendly.

Dell Technologies Inc. is planning a $25 million expansion over the next five years at its Round Rock headquarters.That was disclosed by Round Rock Chamber officials during an Aug. 28 meeting as the Round Rock City Council unanimously voted to approve nominating Dell (Nasdaq: DELL) at its HQ at 1 Dell Way as a qualified enterprise project as part of the Texas Enterprise Zone Program.Dell is planning $25 million in real property and business personal property improvements at the site over the next five years, consisting of expansion, new construction and renovation.

So what do you think of platforms like Intellihost.co to provide analytics for improving listings?

If you can buy below market value, then put in modest improvements (paint, flooring, fixtures, maybe some minor updates on kitchens or baths), you can often increase rents enough to improve cash flow meaningfully.

Property Taxes stay the same, the seller enjoys a quick, stress-free close, and I can move fast to improve or refinance.