I walked through an older property in Toledo, Ohio that looked rough on the surface. Peeling paint. Worn floors. Outdated fixtures. On paper, it seemed like a bad buy.
Structurally, it was solid.
The foundation was clean. The roofline was straight. Plumbing routes were simple and accessible. Those are the things that decide whether a renovation makes sense long term.
Properties that look good can hide expensive problems. Properties that look tired often just need attention. The smartest investors and homeowners learn to separate cosmetic wear from structural risk.
Before committing to a renovation, look past finishes. A property’s bones matter more than its shine.